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Name Change
According to author, DL Hawley ("Changing Your Name," Transgender Tapestry #97 ) anyone can assume a different name, so long as is it not for fraudulent purposes. The [best] way to adopt a new name that will result in it being changed on documents is to apply for a legal name change under the law.
The request to change your name must not be for a fraudulent purpose or to avoid financial obligations. There are statutory requirements and fees attached to applying for a legal name change. Also, a county may have a residency requirement before you are able to make an application for a name change. Contact the County Clerk's office for your county of residence for additional information. A list of Michigan and selected Ohio County Clerk Offices is attached.
Once you have received your name change, you may wish to change your name on the following documents or with the following places (this is a partial list used as an example only).
| Social Security |
IRS |
Passport |
Driver's License |
| Vehicle Titles |
Insurance policies |
Mortgage |
Deeds |
| Bank Accounts |
Credit Cards |
Employment Records |
Hospital/Doctor Records |
| Work Records |
Will (your own and those where you are a beneficiary) |
Power of Attorney Documents/Living Wills |
College Transcripts |
| Voter Registration Card |
Memberships |
Utility Companies |
Magazine Subscriptions |
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