How to change my name
How I did it: After going by Grace since April 2008, I legally changed my name January 15, 2009 by adding the name Grace to the name my parents gave to me at birth. My friend Variable helped me through the process – which simply included filing a one page petition for a name change (with one sentence about why I wanted to change my name - I vaguely cited "personal and spiritual meaning") at the courthouse by 11am and then returning at 1:30pm for it to be approved by a judge. Basically, the judge confirmed the spelling of my previous name, my new name, asked if I was changing it for any fraudulent reasons, and granted my petition. Now I have to change my driver’s license, social security card, etc.
Lessons & tips: It cost me $110 to change my name - not great, not horrible. Well worth it for me, but definitely something to consider.
Resources: Go to your local courthouse or go online to your county government website for more information.
