If someone wants to change his or her name, he or she can go through a legal process to obtain an order. Most cases that involve changing the name of an adult or minor are held under the jurisdiction of the Probate court. Hearings are in the division of the District and County courts.http://www.courtreference.com/Nebraska-Courts.htm

To apply for a change of name, the form titled Petition for Name Change has to be filled out.http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/forms/district/instructions-name-change.shtml In the state of Nebraska, an adult nineteen years of age and older may file a petition on their own behalf. A minor eighteen years of age and younger, must have a parent or legal guardian file the paperwork.http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/forms/district/instructions-child-name-change.shtml

A person would want to change their name for a number of reasons. Some of these people and reasons are: a recently married woman who wants to change to her husband‘s last name; a divorced woman changing back her original name; children who are adopted by families or by a stepparent; a person who had a sex change operation; someone who is in danger and hiding from an abusive family member, former spouse, or stalker; and someone who is apart of the witness protection program. In addition, there are reasons why an individual cannot change their name such as avoiding creditors or law enforcement, and fraud.

For a person to apply for a name change, the correct set of forms has to be filled out and delivered to the local District and County courts. The forms can be found online at the local County court website or in the office of the clerk at the District and County courts. When filling out the forms, write down the current legal name, and the new name to be adopted. When filing the papers, bring current official government picture identification and proof of a current address.http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/forms/district/instructions-name-change.shtml The fee to file paperwork for a change of name in Nebraska is $82.00.http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/community/fees-selfhelp.shtml#namechange

A court date will be given six weeks from the date a petition is filed. The petitioner must announce the plan for a change of name and court date in the local newspaper to the public. The announcement must appear in the newspaper once a week for four weeks leading up to the court hearing. The petitioner must provide proof of publication to the court clerk by providing an affidavit from the newspaper.http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/forms/district/instructions-name-change.shtml

After the petition has been filed, a date will be given to the petitioner for the court hearing. An individual must attend the hearing to be granted the order. Fill out the form Decree of Name Change and bring it to the court hearing for the judge. Reasons for a change of name will be presented to the court, and a judge will ask questions about why a name change is desired. The public will have a chance to have their say. Anyone who has an objection may show up to the court hearing and voice their concerns. If the judge has granted the name change, a Decree of Name Change form will be signed, and the new name can be used legally.http://www.supremecourt.ne.gov/forms/district/instructions-name-change.shtml

Now that a Decree of Name Change has been granted, the original name on official government documents and accounts can now be legally changed. Here is a list of some of those documents:

1. Birth certificate: If an individual was born in Nebraska, a new birth certificate can be obtained by contacting the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Lincoln, Nebraska.http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/ced/bicert.htm If an individual was born out of state, he or she can contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where they were born.
2. Driver’s license: Change a name on a driver’s license and car registration by visiting the local DMV.
3. Social security card: Complete a SS-5 form to change a name on a social security card.http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/315
4. Records at the IRS: Social security will forward the information to the IRS.http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=105969,00.html
5. Passport: Visit the local passport office and fill out the forms for a change of name.
6. Financial institution: Inform the financial institution by going in person with old and new identification.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Please contact a law professional before using the information presented here.