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Name Change Attorney in Charleston, SC

At Martin Murphy Law, LLC, we guide families and individuals through some of life’s most difficult challenges. From divorce and custody disputes to serious injuries caused by accidents, we combine compassion with experience to fight for the outcomes that matter most.

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People change their names for various reasons, most commonly upon marriage or divorce. While adults generally have the right to change their legal names at any time and for any valid reason, doing so requires a court order and has certain residential and procedural requirements.

The experienced Charleston name change lawyer at Martin Murphy Law LLC might help you legally change your name with both the state and federal government. Failing to do so the right way can potentially impact your ability to travel and even create issues with Social Security. Discuss changing your name in South Carolina with our dedicated Moncks Corner attorney today by calling (843) 809-0232 or connecting with us online.

Requirements for Legally Changing Your Name in South Carolina

Tri-County area residents must take the following four steps to effectively change their legal names:

Step 1: Prepare a Family Court Petition

The process begins by preparing a ‘petition for name change’ to be filed in the appropriate family court. You must have resided in South Carolina for at least six months prior to filing the petition and filing the same in your local family court. For Moncks Corner residents, this means working with the family court clerk for Berkeley County. You must also identify the reason for the change, your age, your place of residence and birth, and your requested new name.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

South Carolina requires name change applicants to attach the following to their petitions:

If you’re a victim of domestic violence or need to change your name for safety reasons, our experienced domestic relations lawyer might help you waive the six-month residency requirement under S.C. Code § 15-49-20(5).

Step 3: File the Petition and Attend a Hearing

After filing the petition, the family judge might require you or your attorney to attend a hearing. This isn’t always done, but the court may require it if you’ve chosen a unique name, you’re petitioning for your child, or you need certain protections.

Step 4: Obtain a Final Order and Update Records

Once you obtain the final name change order, our lawyer might help you obtain certified copies of the order to update your state and federal records. This includes obtaining a new Social Security card, license, passport, and other important documents.

Special Procedures for Changing Minor Children’s Names in Moncks Corner

You need a specific type of lawyer, called a guardian ad litem (GAL), to help you change a minor child’s name in South Carolina. S.C. Code § 15-49-10 requires the court to appoint a GAL for the child, and the parents must generally file the petition on the child’s behalf. The family judge will only grant name change petitions for minors if it’s in the child’s best interest.

Your Experienced Attorney for Name Changes in Charleston

At Martin Murphy Law LLC, we provide clients throughout the Tri-County area with a full suite of name change services. This includes GAL services for children and help updating your legal documentation. There’s no easier way to get a name change than with help from our dedicated Moncks Corner family law team. Start the process today by calling (843) 809-0232 or connecting with us online.