How to legally change your name.

I just don't like my birth name and I want to change it. Can I choose any name I want?

There are some restrictions on what you may choose as your new name. Generally, the limits are as follows:

• You cannot choose a name with fraudulent intent -- meaning you intend to do something illegal. For example, you cannot legally change your name to avoid paying debts, keep from getting sued or get away with a crime.

• You cannot interfere with the rights of others, which generally means choosing the name of a famous person with the intent to mislead. For example, most judges will not approve your renaming yourself George Bush or William (Bill) Clinton unless you have a convincing reason not related to the famous politicians.

• You cannot use a name that would be intentionally confusing. This might be a number or punctuation -- for example, "10," "III," or "?."

• You cannot choose a name that is a racial slur.

• You cannot choose a name that could be considered a "fighting word," which includes threatening or obscene words, or words likely to incite violence.

Do I have to file forms in court to change my birth name?

In theory, no. In all but a handful of states, common law legal principles allow you to legally change your name by usage only. A name change by usage is accomplished by simply using a new name in all aspects of your personal, social and business life. No court action is necessary -- it costs nothing and is legally valid. (Minors and prison inmates are generally exceptions to this rule.)