Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Name Change

How do I change my name in Florida? This is a question asked by many who want a fresh start, who want to change their name for family reasons or who just prefer to be called by a name other than that given at birth. A name change was an issue in the case In re the Name Change of: Rakim Salam Ali, 4D2023-1673 (Fla. 4th DCA January 3, 2024).

Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Name Change

When parents agree that a child’s name should be changed, the process can be relatively easy. However, a recent appellate opinion indicates the parents must still show change is in the best interest of the child. A court’s decision to arbitrarily deny a request to change a minor’s name will be reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard - “Discretion … is abused when the judicial action is arbitrary, fanciful, or unreasonable, which is another way of saying that discretion is abused only where no reasonable [person] would take the view adopted by the trial court. If reasonable [persons] could differ as to the propriety of the action taken by the trial court, then it cannot be said that the trial court abused its discretion.” In Re: Name Change of Y.M.X., 4D22-2592 (Fla. 4th DCA May 3, 2023) (internal citations omitted).

Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Name Change

How difficult is it to get your named legally changed in Florida? As long as a person changing their name is not committing fraud or trying to evade creditors, a court is likely to grant a request for a name change. When a name change is denied, the court must make appropriate findings in the final judgment detailing why it was denied.

Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Name Change

Can I change my name in Florida if I have a criminal record? This is a question many may have who are looking to legally change their name. Generally, as long as a person proves he or she has no ulterior or malicious reason for changing his or her name, a petition for this is usually granted. Therefore, a criminal record on its own is not a reason to deny a name change petition. This was an issue in the case In Re: Williams, 4D21-1749 (Fla. 4th DCA March 23, 2022).

Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Florida Name Change

Can I change my name in Florida if I have a criminal record? This is a question often asked by parties wishing to change their name. A name change can be granted as part of many family law actions, including divorce, adoption and paternity. It can also be granted as an independent action under a name change petition. An appeal was taken in the case Medina v. State, 4D19-3891 (Fla. 4th DCA January 20, 2021) in which a request for a name change was denied because of the petitioner’s criminal record.