Written by Leah Gleason
While looking into how to change my name after marriage, I started looking into how to change your name outside of marriage. I have seen names changed by Dissolution of Marriage Decree and through Adoption, but the type of name change covered here would be outside of either of those options. Changing your name is a bit longer process than you would expect and has some timelines that need to be met.
First, changing your name in Nebraska requires filing a petition with the court. There is an $83.00 filing fee associated with this petition.
Second, you must publish notice of the petition once a week for four (4) consecutive weeks in the newspaper.
Third, after publishing you must also send written notice to anyone having a legal interest in your name change.
Finally, once you have finished the above and filed the appropriate forms with the court, you will have a hearing on your name change. You will have to be present at the hearing and must testify about the issues in the petition.
After the hearing you will need to obtain a certified copy (or two) of the Decree of Name Change. This will allow you to change your records with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration.
This is quite a longer process than the Friends episode where Phoebe changes her name would lead you to believe. If you need help with this, please reach out. We would be more than happy to help.