Name Change For Adults in Chennai

If you are an adult dissatisfied with your existing name and want to legally change it in Chennai but are unsure how to proceed, we can provide information to help you with the process. Consult with our team of Chennai solicitors to officially change your name. We can assist you with the Chennai name change procedure over the phone.

Introduction to Adult Name Change in Chennai

There are various reasons why someone might decide to change their name, which we will discuss in detail below. A name change involves switching from one's previous name to a new one, which may include changing the spelling of a letter, changing the pronunciation of names, rearranging the letters, adding initials, and more. The process for legally changing from a previous name to a current name can be somewhat difficult since the previous name is already registered with the government and organizations. Legal experts in Chennai must be consulted if someone wishes to officially change their name.

Eligibility Conditions for Adult Name Change in Chennai

Under the Indian Constitution, everyone has equal rights, and any individual at any age can change their name. The person in Chennai looking to change their name must meet the following conditions:

1. Indian Resident: The adult applicant must be an Indian resident in Chennai, holding a valid Indian identity document and being a permanent resident of Chennai. Foreign nationals wanting to legally change their name in Chennai must undergo additional identification steps and processing.
2. Sound Mind: The applicant must be of sound mind, fully aware and confirming that the decision they are making is necessary and made in good faith.
3. No Pending Lawsuits: The individual must have no pending criminal proceedings against them in court, ensuring the name change is not being used to evade legal actions or withdraw from ongoing cases.
4. Genuine Reasons: The motives for changing one's name must be genuine, not intended to mislead or defraud any government agency.

These prerequisites must be met by candidates looking to apply for a name change in Chennai.

Types of Adult Name Change in Chennai

Chennai recognizes several scenarios under which legal name changes can be applied for:

1. Name and Surname Changes: This applies if a person needs to legally change both their name and surname.
2. Changing Just the First Name: Applications can be made for personal reasons or dissatisfaction with the birth name.
3. Changing Only the Last Name: This is typical in cases of adoption, marriage, divorce, or a change in religious beliefs.

Minimum Age Requirement for Adult Name Change in Chennai

In Chennai, an adult name change application must be filed by the applicant's eighteenth birthday. Applications on behalf of minors must be submitted by their parents.

Reasons for Adult Name Changes in Chennai

Reasons for legally changing a name in Chennai can vary:

1. Divorce: Individuals may change their names to dissociate from their previous marital status.
2. Adoption: Changing a child’s surname to reflect new parental ties.
3. Spelling Errors: Corrections in the spelling of a person’s name.
4. Professional Reasons: Changes made to aid in career advancement or employment opportunities.
5. Personal Reasons: Changes due to dissatisfaction with the current name, astrological reasons, or religious changes.
6. Gender Identity Shift: Name changes to reflect a new gender identity.
7. Change of Nationality: Individuals who become Indian citizens might choose to change their names to better fit their new identity.
8. Marriage: Typically, women may adopt their husband's surname.

Representative for Adult Name Change Application in Chennai

The following individuals are authorized to legally submit a name change application on behalf of someone in Chennai:

1. Children of the Applicant
2. Parents of the Person
3. Spouse of the Applicant

These persons are legally recognized to apply for a name change in Chennai.

Documentation Required for Adult Name Change in Chennai

To apply for a legal name change in Chennai, the following documents are required:

1. Passport-sized Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
2. Government ID Documents: Proof of identity and citizenship.
3. Additional Documents: Depending on the case, this might include adoption decrees, divorce decrees, marriage certificates, proof of gender change, or religious conversion documents.

What an Adult Name Change in Chennai Does Not Include

Certain limitations apply to what can be achieved through a name change:

1. Clearing Debts: A name change does not absolve any debts or legal obligations.
2. Impersonation: It cannot be used to impersonate another person.
3. Offensive Names: The new name should not contain vulgar or disrespectful terms.

Overview of the Adult Name Change Procedure in Chennai

To handle the process correctly, it is advised to seek professional legal advice. Here are the steps involved in changing your name as an adult in Chennai:

1. Obtaining the Affidavit: Draft and submit an affidavit with necessary details such as the old name, new name, and reasons for the name change.
2. Newspaper Advertisement: Publish a notice of the name change in both a local Hindi and English newspaper.
3. Publication in the Official Gazette: Submit the required documents to publish the new name in the Official Gazette.

These steps ensure the legal recognition of your new name in Chennai.

FAQS

Question 1: Is it necessary to include a performance along with the name change application published in the official gazette? Answer: Yes, the performance and the application request must be provided to the Government Press Controller.

Question 2: Can the entire name change process be completed online? Answer: Yes, with our assistance, the entire Name Change process can be completed online.

Question 3: Can I change my name in Chennai without a witness? Answer: No, in Chennai, two witnesses must certify a name change.

Question 4: Is signing an affidavit necessary for changing your name? Answer: Yes, a properly supported affidavit from a local notary is required for a name change.