Changing Your Name in Georgia
How adults change their legal name in Georgia: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: A person files a verified petition in the superior court of the county where he or she lives, stating the reasons in full. O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1
| Legal name change | A person files a verified petition in the superior court of the county where he or she lives, stating the reasons in full. Within seven days after filing, the petitioner must publish notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in the county's legal organ. A petitioner who is a victim of family violence or human trafficking may ask to file under seal, and the court may waive publication. Mirror: Official Code of Georgia text was read on FindLaw (codes.findlaw.com), which states the text is current as of March 28, 2024. Source: O.C.G.A. § 19-12-1 |
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| Changing your name after divorce | Either spouse may ask in the divorce papers to have a maiden or prior name restored. If the divorce is granted, the decree must restore the requested name. Unofficial mirror (FindLaw), current as of March 28, 2024. Source: O.C.G.A. § 19-5-16 |
Where to get help in Georgia
More Georgia divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Georgia
- Adopting a Child in Georgia
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Georgia
- Establishing Paternity in Georgia
- Child Custody Laws in Georgia
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Georgia
- Divorce Records in Georgia
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Georgia
- How to File for Divorce in Georgia
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Georgia
- All Georgia divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in Georgia?
A person files a verified petition in the superior court of the county where he or she lives, stating the reasons in full. Within seven days after filing, the petitioner must publish notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in the county's legal organ. A petitioner who is a victim of family violence or human trafficking may ask to file under seal, and the court may waive publication.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Georgia?
Either spouse may ask in the divorce papers to have a maiden or prior name restored. If the divorce is granted, the decree must restore the requested name.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.