What should I do if I have a hard time getting my new name accepted?

Some people and institutions may be reluctant to accept your new name. Just a few years ago, if you lived in a state where no court order was required, you could eventually get your new name accepted simply by being persistent. Today, this approach is unlikely to work, and it will be far more efficient to go to court and obtain a judge's order establishing your new name. It costs a few dollars in filing fees and will take a little time, but it's something you can easily handle on your own.

Start by providing documentation that shows both the old and new names. If you've recently obtained a passport, it may be helpful because it can show your old name as well as the new name as an AKA ("also known as").

If you have a court order, you probably won't have any problem getting your new name accepted. If you have tried to go ahead with the usage method, you may be stonewalled. If that happens, you may want to gently but forcefully give a rundown of state law that supports your position. (You can research the law for your state at your local law library or online. ) If the person with whom you are dealing remains uncooperative, ask to speak to his or her supervisor. You have the legal right to change your name, even if the people you're dealing with don't know your rights (although, as we've noted, the usage method is pretty much disfavored at this point). Keep going up the ladder until you get results. If you have trouble at the local office of a government agency, contact the main office. If you come up against a seemingly impossible situation, you will probably want to reconsider and get your name changed by filing a court petition.