Changing your name in West Virginia can be a meaningful step for personal, cultural, or legal reasons. Whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or a personal choice, the process involves specific legal steps. At Matthew M. Johnson, Attorney at Law, we help Charleston residents navigate the requirements to ensure their name change is properly recognized under the law.

1. Determine Your Eligibility

 In West Virginia, you must be at least 18 years old to file for a name change on your own. Minors can change their name with parental or guardian consent. You must also be a resident of the county where you file.

2. Prepare and File a Petition

 You’ll need to complete a Petition for Change of Name and file it with the Circuit Court in your county. The petition should include your current name, the desired new name, and the reason for the change. You must also state that the change is not being sought for fraudulent purposes, such as avoiding debts or legal obligations.

3. Publish Notice of Your Name Change

 West Virginia law generally requires that you publish notice of your name change in a local newspaper once a week for at least two consecutive weeks. This allows the public an opportunity to object. Some exceptions apply, particularly in cases involving safety concerns, such as domestic violence.

4. Attend a Court Hearing

 Once your petition is filed and the notice requirement is met, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you may need to answer the judge’s questions and present any necessary documentation. If the judge approves, they will issue an order legally changing your name.

5. Update Your Legal Records

 After receiving your court order, you will need to update your name on identification documents such as your driver’s license, Social Security record, passport, bank accounts, and other official records.

Changing your name in West Virginia requires careful attention to legal requirements. At Matthew M. Johnson, Attorney at Law, we guide Charleston residents through each step, ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and deadlines are met.