Tennessee Name Change

Tennessee name changes are mostly a matter of filing a form or petition with your local court and paying a fee. The procedure to change your name is not overly complicated, and you will find that the information provided here will get you off to a good start.

What forms are required in Tennessee for a name change?

The State of Tennessee does not have a specific name change form. You must write your own petition to change the name, use a form prepared by a commercial service, or have an attorney write one for you. Click on the following link and search the Tennessee State Code for more details: Tennessee State Code Title 29, Chapter 8- Change of Name (Courtesy of Lexis-Nexis)t

Where do I file the forms for a Tennessee name change?

The completed forms must be filed with the circuit, probate, or county court clerk of the county where you currently live.

Do I need to notarize the forms?

Check with your local courthouse.

Is there a filing fee for a name change in Tennessee?

Yes. Check with the clerk of the court to determine the cost. A fee waiver may generally be obtained with a showing of sufficient hardship.

Do I need to schedule a court hearing?

Yes. The clerk should schedule a hearing for you when you file your petition.

Do I need to publish something in a local newspaper?

Check with your local circuit court to determine whether you need to publish a notice of your petition to change your name or your hearing in a local paper.

Case Studies: Tennessee Name Change

Case Study 1: Custom Petition for Name Change

Sarah, a resident of Tennessee, decided to change her name for personal reasons. As there is no specific name change form in the state, she sought guidance from an attorney who prepared a custom petition for the name change. Sarah filed the petition with the county court clerk and scheduled a court hearing. The court approved her name change, and she successfully obtained her new legal name.

Case Study 2: Commercial Service Form for Name Change

John, another resident of Tennessee, wished to change his name to reflect his identity better. Instead of hiring an attorney, he used a form prepared by a commercial service that specializes in legal documents. John submitted the completed form to the circuit court clerk in his county and paid the necessary filing fee. The court scheduled a hearing, and after the successful hearing, John’s name change was granted.

Case Study 3: Fee Waiver for Name Change

Emily, facing financial hardship, wanted to change her name but couldn’t afford the filing fee. She visited the court clerk’s office and applied for a fee waiver, providing evidence of her financial difficulties. The court granted the fee waiver, and Emily proceeded with the name change process without paying the fee.