There are several good reasons why someone would want to legally change their name, the most obvious one is when you’re born to eccentric parents and they name you X Æ A-12. No offense to Elon Musk, but it is possible that as his son ages, he will want to be called something ever slightly less odd. Perhaps Kanye West’s new moniker “Ye” would be a good choice for young Musk? Let’s take a look at some of the other popular reasons why people change their names and what it takes to make it happen.
How to legally change your name in Canada
Like most of the topics we cover here on the LegalShield Canada blog, the rules to changing your name differ across the country. We’ll take a look at Ontario and Quebec, but do seek legal counsel where you live to make sure you know the right way to apply. If you’re a LegalShield member, our Family Law provider lawyers are available to help.
Change your name in Ontario
In Ontario, if you are 16 years old and up, and have lived in the province for the past 12 months, you will need three things to change your name:
- The application to change an adult name
- The requirements for a police record check for a name change
- Money. It costs $137 as of date of publication
Sounds simple? It is. As long as you’re not married. Then you will need to give notice to your spouse that you’re changing your name. And if you’re 16 or 17, you will need the consent of those who have legal custody of you. Plus, there are more hurdles to go through if you want to change the name of a child. Note that unless doing so could cause you harm, your name change request will be made public to see if there are any objections or comments.
Change your name in Quebec
In Quebec, with the exception of adding your mother or father’s family name to yours, a name change is a big deal. Even getting married does not affect your name. If you were born Jean Smith, you will always be Jean Smith, regardless of your marital status. If you insist on a name change, the Directeur de l’état civil, who oversees these matters in most cases, will only authorize the change in exceptional circumstances.
Some of these circumstances include:
- You are suffering because of your name
- Your name is too difficult to pronounce or write (as in, X Æ A-12)
- Your name invites ridicule
You can change your name either by the courts (in limited circumstances) or via the Directeur de l’état civil. For the latter, you have to apply, meaning your first application is just for the government to determine your eligibility. Then, if eligible, there are more forms to fill out, sworn statements to make, public notice to be given, and other formalities that are probably better left to the legal professionals who can guide you through the process. LegalShield can help you there.
Reasons to change your name
Here are some of the more popular reasons why people want a name change. (These may or may not be available where you reside.)
- You hate your name. You were born Gertrude but you are most definitely a Willow.
- You identify with a different sex. You were born Gertrude but identify as Gene and you want your legal name and identification to reflect that reality.
- You got married. You want to take your partner’s name after saying I Do.
- You got divorced. You’ve taken your spouse’s name and now you want to give it back.
- You have safety concerns. You want to stop an ex-partner from finding you.
- An error was made. Your name was spelled incorrectly on your birth certificate or some other clerical error.
- Money is to be made. Some people change their names to match their professions. You may already be well-known under an alias and want to make it legal.
The takeaway
Regardless of why you want to change your name, our membership plans can put you in touch with a legal professional who can help you identify the documents you will need to apply and guide you through the application process where you live. Reach out to us.
Articles on the LegalShield.ca website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice or opinion in any manner. Laws mentioned in the articles vary from province to province. Any links to third-party sites in our articles are for general information purposes only and LegalShield is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, the content of linked sites. It is always advisable to seek legal counsel—and LegalShield can help.