Legal Definitions - legal name

A legal name is the name by which an individual is officially recognized under the law. This is typically the name recorded on their birth certificate, or a name subsequently changed through legally recognized processes such as marriage, adoption, or a court order. It is the name that must be used on official documents and for legal transactions.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a legal name:

• Example 1: Birth Registration

  When a child is born, their parents register them with the state, and the name chosen, such as "Sophia Grace Rodriguez," is recorded on the birth certificate. This officially establishes "Sophia Grace Rodriguez" as the child's legal name from birth. This name will be used for all official purposes, like obtaining a social security number or enrolling in school, until it is legally changed.

• Example 2: Name Change Through Marriage

  After getting married, John Carter decides to take his spouse's surname, becoming "John Lee." He uses his marriage certificate as proof to update his driver's license, passport, and other official identification documents. By following these steps, "John Lee" officially becomes his legal name, replacing his birth surname for all legal purposes.

• Example 3: Court-Ordered Name Change

  An individual named "Emily Davis" wishes to change her name to "River Willow" for personal reasons unrelated to marriage. She files a petition with the local court, which, after reviewing her request and ensuring all legal requirements are met, issues a court order approving the name change. This court order makes "River Willow" her new legal name, allowing her to update all her official records and identification documents accordingly.