Marriage and divorce are among the leading reasons why people change their names. However, in North Carolina, any adult, anyone above 18 years old, can file the appropriate forms to change their name or that of a minor if you are a parent.
Different factors can motivate you to change your name besides marriage and divorce. The following are five situations where people often change their names:
1. Adding or removing a surname
A mother who would like to change their child’s surname, perhaps to theirs, can do so legally. On the contrary, they can add the father’s name if they wish to. Changing a surname can also apply to adults.
2. Couples adopting a new name
Some couples usually hyphenate each other’s names or combine some parts of their names to create a new one. If you want to make the new name legal and include it in your documents, it is possible by following the required procedures.
3. As a religious act
If you have converted to a new religion and you have a new name, you can make it legal. It will be best if the conversion is formal to make the process easier.
4. Affirming gender identity
The transgender community appreciates changing names to match their current pronouns. Most of them usually opt for the opposite version of their name, but you can also change it completely. Further, while at it, you may change the gender marker on your birth certificate as the state allows it.
5. Dislike of current name
If you simply don’t like your birth name or would like to make it easier for people to pronounce or spell it, you can change it. Some celebrities have done this by using the short forms of their names formally.
Name changes are more common than you think. If you are considering doing it, get adequate information to make the right calls and make the process easier.