If you are looking to change your name, you should be aware that your friend or neighbor who tells you “you can only change your name once in North Carolina” is perhaps incorrect. There are several exceptions to that rule. For example, you may resume your former named if you are widowed. Also, if you are a minor, you may change your name no more than twice.
The takeaway here is that changing one’s legal name can be a tricky and detailed-oriented process and it is often helpful to have a name change lawyer walk you through the steps of how to proceed.
The following is excerpted language from the North Carolina General Statutes:
NCGS Section 101-6. Effect of change; only one change, except as provided.
(a) When the order is made and the applicant’s name changed, he is entitled to all the privileges and protection under his new name as he would have been under the old name. No person shall be allowed to change his name under this Chapter but once, except that he shall be permitted to resume his former name upon compliance with the requirements and procedure set forth in this Chapter for change of name, and except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(b) For good cause shown, and upon compliance with the requirements and procedure set forth in this Chapter for change of name, the name of a minor child may be changed not more than two times under this Chapter.
(c) A sex offender who is registered in accordance with Article 27A of Chapter 14 of the General Statutes is prohibited from obtaining a change of name under this Chapter.
To consult with a name change lawyer, please contact us at 910-769-6884 to schedule a consultation.
