How would an American change their last name?

Please contribute. I’m not able to do the research , in my current condition…It took me a while to type this….........

I think you have to go the local court . . I had a friend in another state other than SC.

They went to court and changed their name but that was over 45 years ago.

https://www.totallegal.com/NameChange/NameChange-b.aspx?src=mSC1&msclkid=62cf0354ac6a19f1c13d600c368286e8

Hopefully this will answer the question with regards to the different reasons a person might want to change their name legally:

https://www.usbirthcertificates.com/articles/how-to-legally-change-your-name

The state is relevant, every state has their own laws about this.

In the old days you would go to the county clerk and pick up the forms, which I would bet you can still do, but you also can usually download forms now. Here is Spartanburg County website for a name change, you could Google your county. https://www.spartanburgcounty.org/711/Name-Change-Packet

You could call your county clerk and ask them what you need to do. Or, go down to the county courthouse and stand on line and ask the procedure. They might charge a fee for a printed packet, but it won’t be very expensive. I’m guessing $20.

There will be additional fees to make the change, but also shouldn’t be very expensive, the link above might have the fees for Spartanburg? I didn’t read it.

Here is the actual SC law, but there is lots of legal ease, which makes it sound like a lot of work, don’t let it scare you. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c049.php Your county is really the place to get the help you need if you have a question.

In SC, you go to your local County Court House & petition the court to change your name. There will be a fee associated with the name change. According to the internet, that fee is $150; but, I find that hard to believe as it was $350 back in the 1980’s & NOBODY ever lowers their fees!!! In the petition, you have to give a “valid reason” as to WHY you want to change your name. My understanding is that it’s NOT a difficult process; however, it is a pain in the butt process…so you might want to wait until you have your strength back before starting the process!!!