Legal help! Does this mean what I think it means??

Hi, I have a legal question, and I'm really hoping someone can help me out here.  I am trying to legally change my first name, and I have been going through the instructions with a fine-tooth comb so I don't make any mistakes.  I found a blurb in the instructions that is making me worry and freak out.  It reads,

"Indicate the name and date of birth of a spouse, (if there is a spouse), even if the spouse is not having his/her name changed."

Then later on it says:

• If a spouse is included in the application, both the applicant and the spouse must sign the application.
• If any minors (under 18 years old) are included on the application, the minor does not need to sign the application.

So does this mean what I think it means? Namely that I have to have spousal consent??  In 2009, really?? for my first name?  Can that really be??  My spouse has said he will never, ever consent to me changing my name.  Is there hope?  Is there any way to get around this?  Help please!! I'm very upset!

Divorce him for a day? haha

forge his signature!

ha yeh thats ridiculous in this day and age

please say your new name is princess consuela banana hammock!

Is there a space to fill in for both of you to apply to change your names on the same form?  If there is, I would think that you would only have to get your spouse to sign if he was an actual applicant and was wanting to change his name too.

Original Post by tinaek:

Is there a space to fill in for both of you to apply to change your names on the same form?  If there is, I would think that you would only have to get your spouse to sign if he was an actual applicant and was wanting to change his name too.

 Yes, actually there is.  Maybe that's all it is? 

Yep i think it means what you think it does! 

i don't think it's that you need permission; it's that they need to be able to keep you connected to all your records, including marriage records.  they have to make sure you're not using the name change to dissapear or create a new identity.

why won't your spouse consent?  maybe that's the real issue here?

Original Post by tinaek:

Is there a space to fill in for both of you to apply to change your names on the same form?  If there is, I would think that you would only have to get your spouse to sign if he was an actual applicant and was wanting to change his name too.

That's what I thought when I read it. I wouldn't say "included in the application" means just that they exist. Unless he's changing his name too, I think you're fine.

Don't you have "Legal Aid assistance" where you live?  It's usually under the State Bureaus in the Blue pages of the phone book.    I'd contact them, and more than likely they'll give you an answer for something like that over the phone.

Hi, I did some research for you and found this "You do not need your spouse’s consent, however, if you have a spouse, you must prove your spouse was given notice of your application to change your name."

http://www.plea.org/freepubs/ncn/ncnpg1.htm

I don't know if that will help much, but it's better for you to ask a lawyer.

If you are a victim of domestic violence you are able to change your name without your spouse consent.  If this is not your case you must consult your state laws.