A new name. A fresh start. Handled for you.
Living Oak Legal does one thing: legal name changes in Georgia. We prepare your petition, file it with your county's Superior Court, handle the newspaper publication requirement, and see it through to the judge's final order — so you never have to figure out the courthouse on your own.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX — the consultation is free.
Changing your name in Georgia shouldn't take over your life
A Georgia name change means a Superior Court petition, a four-week newspaper publication requirement, county-by-county filing quirks, and sometimes a court appearance. Do it wrong, and you start over. We do this every day — so for you, it's three simple steps.
Confusing paperwork
The petition, verification, notice, and proposed order all have to be right — and each Superior Court clerk has their own expectations. We prepare everything correctly the first time.
Publication & deadlines
Georgia generally requires notice of your petition to run in the county's official legal organ once a week for four weeks. We arrange it, track it, and file the proof with the court.
The courthouse itself
Hearings, judges' calendars, certified copies — it's a lot to navigate alone. We guide you through every interaction with the court, and in many counties you may never need to appear.
Three steps to your new name
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Tell us your story
Book a free consultation. We'll confirm you're eligible, answer your questions, and quote you one flat fee — no hourly billing, no surprises.
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We handle the court
We draft and file your petition in your county's Superior Court, arrange the required publication, and keep you updated while the statutory waiting period runs.
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You get your new name
Once the judge signs the final order, we get you certified copies and a step-by-step checklist for updating Social Security, your license, passport, and more.
Whatever your reason, it's a good one
Adults
Reclaiming a family name, simplifying a difficult one, restoring a name after divorce, affirming your identity, or simply choosing a name that fits who you are.
Adult name changes →Children & minors
Name changes for minors involve notice to both parents and the court's review of the child's best interest. We handle the extra steps with care.
Minor name changes →Families
Unifying a family under one name, post-adoption updates, or coordinating name changes for multiple family members at once.
Family name changes →One flat fee. No hourly billing. No surprises.
You'll know the full cost before we begin. Court filing fees and publication costs are set by your county and the legal organ — we'll tell you exactly what to expect at your consultation.
flat attorney fee + court costs
- Petition drafted and filed for you
- Publication arranged and tracked
- Final order and certified copies
- After-the-order update checklist
Three promises, kept on every case
You'll always know the price
One flat fee, quoted before you sign anything — plus your county's exact court and publication costs. Zero hourly billing, zero surprises on an invoice.
You'll always know the status
Filed, published, waiting, granted — an update at every milestone without you having to chase anyone. Calls and emails returned within one business day.
You'll always get a straight answer
If you don't actually need a lawyer — like a name restoration that belongs in your divorce decree — we'll tell you for free and point you the right way.
Do your homework — we wrote it for you
What a name change costs in Georgia
Every fee explained — court, publication, attorney — plus who qualifies for a fee waiver.
The timeline, week by week
What happens across the typical 6–10 weeks, and what actually moves the needle.
Getting your name back after divorce
When your decree covers it, when it doesn't, and how to fix a missed restoration.
Answers before you even ask
How long does a Georgia name change take?
Most adult name changes take roughly six to ten weeks from filing to final order, driven mainly by the four-week publication requirement, the objection window, and your county's court calendar. We'll give you a realistic estimate for your county at your consultation.
Will I have to go to court?
It depends on your county and judge. Many uncontested adult name changes are granted on the paperwork alone; some judges prefer a brief hearing. If a hearing is needed, we prepare you for it — it's typically short and straightforward.
Does my name change have to be published in a newspaper?
Generally yes — Georgia law requires notice of the petition to run in your county's official legal organ once a week for four weeks. There are limited exceptions, including protections for victims of family violence. We handle the publication logistics either way.
Name changes anywhere in Georgia
From Fulton to Fannin, Chatham to Cobb — a Georgia name change is filed in the Superior Court of the county where you live, and every county has its own clerk's quirks and its own designated legal organ for the publication requirement. Because name changes are all we do, we already know your county's process. Consultations happen by phone or video, so where you live never slows you down.
Wondering what it costs or how long it takes? See exactly how a Georgia name change works, step by step, find your county's guide, or browse our answers to the most common name change questions — then book a free consultation when you're ready.
Your new name is closer than you think
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll follow up within one business day with answers and a flat-fee quote. The consultation is free, and there's no obligation.
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