Top 10 Legal Questions About How to Legally Change Your Last Name in Mississippi

Question	Answer
1. What are the requirements for changing my last name in Mississippi?	Well, first off, you gotta be at least 18 years old, and you need to have lived in Mississippi for at least six months. You also gotta have a good reason for changing your name, like getting married or just wanting a fresh start. Oh, and you can`t be changing your name to escape debts or commit fraud, `cause that`s a big no-no.
2. How do I start the process of changing my last name in Mississippi?	Alright, so first things first, you gotta file a Petition for Name Change with the chancery court in the county where you live. You`ll also need to get your fingerprints taken and have a background check done. Once all that`s done, you just gotta wait for a court hearing to be scheduled.
3. Do I need to notify anyone about my name change?	Yup, you gotta publish a notice of your name change in a newspaper in the county where you filed your petition. This will let anyone who might object to your name change have a chance to speak up. You`ll also need to let the Mississippi Department of Public Safety know about the change if you want to update your driver`s license.
4. Can my name change request be denied?	Well, it`s possible. If the judge thinks you`re changing your name for an illegal or fraudulent purpose, they can deny your request. They can also deny it if they think it would cause harm to someone else or if you have a criminal record that makes them question your intentions.
5. How long does the name change process in Mississippi take?	It varies, but it usually takes a few months from the time you file your petition to the time you have your court hearing. After the hearing, if everything goes smoothly, you`ll get a court order granting your name change. Then you just gotta update all your official documents and you`re good to go!
6. What is the cost of changing my last name in Mississippi?	Well, there are a few fees you`ll need to pay, like the filing fee for the petition, the cost of getting your fingerprints and background check done, and the publishing fee for the notice in the newspaper. It can add up, but it`s all part of the process.
7. What if I want to change my child`s last name in Mississippi?	For that, you`ll need to get permission from the other parent, unless they`ve had their parental rights terminated. Then you can file a Petition for Minor Name Change with the chancery court. The process is pretty similar to changing an adult`s name, but there are some extra steps involved.
8. Can I change my name back to my maiden name after a divorce in Mississippi?	Yes, you can! In fact, it`s a pretty common request after a divorce. You just need to include the request for a name change in your divorce petition or ask for it during the divorce hearing. Then you`ll get a court order granting the name change and you can go back to using your maiden name.
9. Do I need a lawyer to help me with the name change process in Mississippi?	It`s not required, but it can definitely make things easier, especially if you`re dealing with a complicated situation. A lawyer can help you with the paperwork, guide you through the court process, and make sure everything is done correctly. It`s up to you whether you want to hire one or not.
10. Is there anything else I should know about changing my last name in Mississippi?	Just remember to update all your important documents after your name change is approved, like your driver`s license, Social Security card, passport, and any bank accounts or insurance policies. It`s also a good idea to let your employer, school, and other important contacts know about the change too.

How to Legally Change Your Last Name in Mississippi

Changing your last name is a big decision and can be a complicated process. In Mississippi, there are specific steps and requirements that must be followed in order to legally change your last name. Whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or for personal reasons, it’s important to understand process and ensure that you are in compliance with law.

Requirements for Changing Your Last Name in Mississippi

Before you can legally change your last name in Mississippi, there are certain requirements that must be met. These requirements include:

Requirement	Description
Residency	You must be a resident of Mississippi in order to change your last name in the state.
Age	You must be at least 18 years old to change your last name without parental consent.
Criminal Record	If you have a criminal record, you may be required to disclose this information as part of the name change process.

Steps to Change Your Last Name in Mississippi

Once you have met the requirements for changing your last name, you can begin the process by following these steps:

1. File petition with Chancery Court in county where you reside.
2. Provide valid reason for name change, such as marriage, divorce, or personal preference.
3. Publish notice name change in local newspaper for at least three consecutive weeks.
4. Attend court hearing to present your case for name change.
5. If court approves your name change, you will receive court order granting change of name.

Additional Considerations

It’s important to note that changing your last name can have significant impact on your legal and financial identity. You will need to update your name on various documents and accounts, such as your driver’s license, social security card, and bank accounts. Additionally, it’s important to consider potential impact on your personal and professional relationships.

Changing your last name is a personal decision and should be approached with careful consideration and understanding of the legal process. By following the requirements and steps outlined by the state of Mississippi, you can navigate the process of legally changing your last name and embrace your new identity.

Legal Contract for Changing Your Last Name in Mississippi

Before proceeding with legally changing your last name in Mississippi, it is important to understand the legal process and requirements involved. The following contract outlines the necessary steps and obligations for all parties involved in the name change process.

Parties Involved	The individual seeking to change their last name (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioner”)
Legal Requirements	The Petitioner must file a petition for a name change in the chancery court of the county in which they reside. The petition must include a statement of the reason for the name change and any previous criminal record of the Petitioner.
Publication Requirement	Upon filing the petition, the Petitioner must publish a notice of the name change in a newspaper within the county for at least three consecutive weeks.
Objections	Any interested party may file an objection to the name change within 30 days of the last publication of the notice. The chancery court will then schedule a hearing to consider the objection.
Court Order	If the court finds no reason to deny the name change, a decree will be entered changing the Petitioner`s last name to the requested new name.
Legal Representation	The Petitioner may choose to seek legal representation to assist with the name change process, but it is not required by law.
Costs	The Petitioner is responsible for paying all filing fees and publication costs associated with the name change process.
Termination	This contract shall terminate upon the issuance of the court decree changing the Petitioner`s last name.

By entering into this contract, the Petitioner acknowledges that they have read and understood the legal requirements for changing their last name in Mississippi and agree to comply with all necessary steps and obligations outlined herein.