Adopting New Last Name

Summary

To change your last names in Minnesota, file a Name Change Application at the Hennepin County District Court, submit the required fees, attend a court hearing, and publish the courts Order Granting Name Change in a local newspaper. Changing your name after marriage might be easier as you can use your marriage certificate as proof, but a court process is still necessary for a completely new last name. Submissions can be made in person or by mail at the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota
In Minnesota, the process to change your last names involves:
*. Filing a Name Change Application at your local County District Court.
*. Submitting the required fees.
*. Attending a court hearing.
*. Publishing the court's Order Granting Name Change in a local newspaper.
For further details, visit Minnesota Judicial Branch's website.
Would it be better for us to change our name together after marriage, or before?
You can change your name either before or after marriage. However, changing it after marriage might be easier as you can use your marriage certificate as proof of the change. But since you're adopting a completely new last name, a court process will still be necessary.
Should my fiancé change his name before marriage, then I do it after marriage? Or should we both change our names after the marriage certificate is created?
In Minnesota, both of you can change your names after the marriage certificate is created. It might simplify the process as the certificate can serve as proof. Nonetheless, you'll still need to go through a court process for a completely new last name.
Where do we submit a Name Change Request in Minneapolis? Is it better to do it in person or through the mail?
You should submit your Name Change Request at the Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis. Both in-person or mail submissions are accepted, but in-person can be quicker as you can directly address any issues.

Hennepin County District Court


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * South 6th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota *
Website: www.mncourts.gov/hennepin~