Forms and Letters: Family Law

questions & answers

Question: Can a person who has been ordered to change their last name legally sign legal documents with the old name

Answer:

A person that wishes to legally change their name must submit an application into the superior court in the county of their residence. The application must include the requested name and the reason for the change; this is determined based solely on the best interest of the individual. Any criminal convictions must be stated in the application, along with acknowledgement that there isn’t intent for any offense under A.R.S. title 13, chapter 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 27 or any other offense involving false statements or misrepresentations about the person's identity. The individual must also acknowledge that the change of name will not release the person from any obligations incurred or harm any rights of property or actions in the original name. Pursuant to A.R.S. 12-601 an individual under a substituted new name will be held accountable for any legal document signed under a former name.