The Legal Name Change Process

 The Legal Name Change Process

The process involves petitioning the civil court in New York City   ( or the Supreme Court  outside of New York City )  for a legal name change with proof of birth, citizenship, and proof of residence as exhibits.  You prove your birth and citizenship with your birth certificate,  US passport, and Naturalization Certificate.  Legal Permanent Residences may also file for a legal name change with proof of residency:  the Green Card and a copy of the identification of the foreign passport or foreign birth certificate.   Foreign birth certificates require a certified translation to English. 

To prove residence, you need two billing statements that are addressed to you at a New York residence that are current within 90 days of filing.  You can do this with utility bills ( gas, electric, etc.)  a cell phone bill pdf copy or pdf statements from a bank or credit card company.   Please redact account and financial information if you use a bank or credit card statement for this purpose. 

Its also a good idea to provide a redacted copy of the social security card with the number crossed out to have the name change order recite the name that is in Social Security administration records when you update your social security records.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Legal Name Change Concerns for Green Card Holders ( Legal Permanent Residents) with Foreign Passports

 

For Legal Permanent Residents  ( Green Card Holders) ,  you would have to go to your country's consulate or embassy to modify the name on your foreign passport after a legal name change order is issued in a New York Court .  Please check with your country's consulate to see if your country will accept a New York name change order to change the name on your passport before you petition for a legal name change order in New York.   Some countries like Brazil will not accept an order from the State of New York.  But most countries will accept it.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

How the Legal Name Change Process Affects Your Ability to Travel

Legally changing your name will not affect your ability to travel as long as you do not plan a trip using the new name before the new name is applied to  your green card, passport, and State Identification ( license or NYS ID) after the legal name change order is signed. 

In other words,  after you obtain the legal name change order from the court,  you can still travel under the old name up until the time you change the name on your green card, passport, and Driver's license ( or NYS ID card).  After you amend these identification documents with the new name, then you can plan a trip and travel with the new name.  Until then, you would plan and travel under the old name. 

A state court legal name change order does not automatically change over Federal Identification documents and your NYS Driver's License ( or State ID).  You have to be proactive and apply to do that for each identification card or document after you obtain a legal name change order.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

How long does it take to get a name change in Manhattan Civil Court.

 As of October 2025, processing times for legal name change petitions to get signed orders have significantly changed in the Manhattan Civil Court.  What used to take approximately 2 to 3 weeks now takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks due to backlogs in the court system.  There is limited manpower despite the large influx of new cases due to the real ID law.   Expect a waiting time of at least a month and a half to get your name change order signed.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Name Change Order, Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, and the need for an Apostille.

 

Name Change Orders, Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates and the need for an Apostille 

Today many Americans are seeking dual citizenship with European countries that are part of the European Union  (EU). Many Americans can derive Citizenship from EU countries from their foreign born parents or grandparents.  Among other reasons, some Americans do this to be able to obtain an EU passport.   An EU passport is a passport issued by one of the 27 member states of the European Union which allows travel visa-free between all EU countries, and to a large number of third-countries the EU has bilateral agreements with.

To obtain dual Citizenship with an EU country, Americans must demonstrate their relationship to their foreign born parents or foreign born grandparents who were born in an EU country.  To demonstrate relationship to a family member born abroad in an EU country like Italy or Ireland for example,  the person attempting to acquire European citizenship would have to provide birth certificates, and in some cases,  marriage certificates and name change orders.  

In most cases, foreign countries will not accept American birth certificates, marriage certificates and name change orders without an Apostille.   Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on these public documents. 

The authentication certifies the signature and capacity of the official who executed the document. The New York Secretary of State authenticates public documents with the Apostille for use in foreign countries which is issued pursuant to the 1961 International Hague Convention by treaty with Hague Convention member countries. 

 The documents in question must be public documents issued in New York State and signed by a notary public, a County Clerk, or a State official. The necessity for an apostille is determined by the foreign country or destination. 

The Law Office of Christopher Tompkins can assist you with obtaining an Apostille for a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and name change order. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

No Longer a Name Change Publishing Requirement But Service of the Name Change Order on Government Agencies May Still Be Required.

No Longer a Name Change Publishing Requirement But Service of the Name Change Order on Government Agencies May Still Be Required. 

As of December 31, 2021, there is no longer a name change publishing requirement of the name change order in the Courts of the City and State of New York.   However, obligations to serve a copy of a name change order on government agencies still remain in the discretion of the judge.  Examples of government agencies which may have to be served with a copy of the name change order are the Support Collections Unit if you have a child support obligation, Criminal Justice Services if you have a criminal record, the US Bankruptcy Court if you have filed bankruptcy, and an adversary that has a judgement or a pending lawsuit with you.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Name Change and Enhanced Driver Licenses in New York

You may have a problem getting an enhanced driver license if your name on your birth certificate does not match your current driver license. 

Beginning on October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license, permit or ID card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.), or enter military bases and certain federal facilities.

• If the name on your license, permit, or non-driver ID application does not match the name on your identity, lawful status, and social security proofs you must bring in court or government issued proof(s) documenting the event(s) causing your name change(s) such as a marriage license(s), divorce decree(s), adoption, or court order document(s). 

• Proof of identity, such as valid license, birth certificate or passport, with your full first, middle (if applicable) and last name. This name, as it appears on your proof of identity, will be displayed on your card as required by federal law

• To learn more visit https://dmv.ny.gov/which-id-right-me

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City  and Long Island. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Changing Your Name in NY by Removing a Name

Changing Your Name in NY by Removing a Name

You can change your name in NY by removing a name.   Here is an example.  Your name is Mary Alice Jones and you want to remove the first name, "Mary".    So the result would be:

Alice Jones

In most cases, a judge will have no objection to you removing a name so long as you are not changing the name to avoid a creditor or to avoid a support obligation. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City  and Long Island. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Changing Your Last Name in NY by Adding a Name

Changing Your Last Name in New York by Adding a Name

You can change your last name in NY by adding a name.   Here are some examples.  Your name is Mary and you want to add the name, "Jones", to your last name, "Smith".  You can add "Jones" after "Smith" or before "Smith" and you can add a hyphen between the two names, if you choose.  So the result could be:

Mary Smith Jones
Mary Jones Smith
Mary Smith-Jones
Mary Jones-Smith

In most cases, a judge will have no objection to you adding a name to your last name so long as you are not changing the name to avoid a creditor or to avoid a support obligation. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City  and Long Island. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

How to Legally Change Your Name in NY

The video below shows you what documents you need to legally change your name.  

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City  and Long Island. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Transgender Name Changes in New York City

Transgender Name Changes in New York City

What documents are needed to do a transgender name change?

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

To legally change your name in any of the five boroughs of New York City, you need a petition for name change, a proposed order, a birth certificate, photo identification, and proof of your address.

In Transgender cases, it is recommended,          (although not legally required) to provide the court with a letter or medical record from a medical doctor or psychiatrist indicating that one is being treated for gender identity and/or gender transition.   This helps the court make a favorable decision expeditiously without concerns of fraud. 

When the name change order is signed by the judge it is conditional until a notice within the order has been published in a newspaper that the judge will designate. The order does not become a permanent order until proof of publication of a notice of the name change is filed. Proof of publication is the form of an affidavit that is prepared by the newspaper employee that published the name change notice that is contained in the order.

 Upon request, some judges will waive the publication requirement for privacy reasons.  

Once you have filed proof of publication or if publication is waived, you may obtain certified copies of the order for $6.00. You can take the certified copy of the order to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, Social Security Office, and/or Passport office to provide proof of your name change. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City.   Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.  

Legal Name Change Lawyer in the Bronx

Why use a legal name change lawyer in Bronx Civil Court?  

You can prepare and file the name change petition and exhibits yourself  and appear in court, but you may come across some road blocks that may make it more difficult and more time consuming.

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City including the Bronx. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

A legal name change lawyer in Bronx Civil Court? Court can help you to get your legal name change in the Bronx quicker because:

1-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Bronx understands the process of preparing and filing the necessary paper work in accordance with the local rules of the Bronx Civil Court. 

2-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in the Bronx knows how to successfully file the name change petition and exhibits in accordance with the strict standards of the Bronx Civil Court Clerks.  

 The clerks in the Bronx Civil Court screen the submission of name change petitions very closely looking for mistakes in the caption, mistakes in the proof (or evidence) in support of the name change petition, and mistakes in the name change petition itself.   Captions have to correctly state the current legal name and all aliases used on legal documents and other documentary proof of name and address.  Evidence in support of a name change petition must have a certified birth record ( or other recognized substitute such as a copy of an out of state birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or U.S. passport), proof of identification such as a driver license, NY State non-driver ID, or US Passport, and proof of address with utility bills, bank or credit card statements, or correspondence from government agencies like Social Security, IRS, or the Board of Elections.  The clerks follow a certain format in evaluating whether a name change petition was prepared correctly.  All aliases have to be stated and supported with documentary proof.  Questions about lawsuits, judgments, child and spouse support, and criminal records have to be responded to and in some cases corroborated with documentary evidence. In addition, the Bronx legal name change order has to be prepared correctly following the local custom.  For example,  the legal name change Order has to be reviewed carefully to ensure all aliases are included in the caption and that each judge's unique requirements for document proof are satisfied. 

3-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in the Bronx can affirm (certify) the authenticity of a copy of an original document ( except those where an original is required).  Otherwise, the Bronx Civil Court clerk has to do it for you. This can be time consuming and inconvenient for you and the clerk, if you do it without a legal name change lawyer that practices in the Bronx. 

4-A legal name change lawyer practicing in the Bronx will appear in court with you to assist you in answering any questions about the judge may have about your debts, child support, law suits, and criminal records.  These questions come up in the Bronx Civil Court. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City including the Bronx.   Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.  

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Manhattan - New York County

Legal Name Change Lawyer in New York County- Manhattan 

Why use a legal name change lawyer in New York County - Manhattan  Civil Court?  

You can prepare and file the name change petition and exhibits yourself  and appear in court, but you may come across some road blocks that may make it more difficult and more time consuming.

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

A legal name change lawyer in  New York County - Manhattan  Civil Court? Court can help you to get your legal name change in New York City quicker because:

1-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in New York County- Manhattan understands the process of preparing and filing the necessary paper work in accordance with the local rules of the New York County - Manhattan Civil Court. 

2-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in New York County- Manhattan knows how to successfully file the name change petition and exhibits in accordance with the strict standards of the  New York County- Manhattan Civil Court Clerks.  

 The clerks in the  New York County - Manhattan Civil Court screen the submission of name change petitions very closely looking for mistakes in the caption, mistakes in the proof (or evidence) in support of the name change petition, and mistakes in the name change petition itself.   Captions have to correctly state the current legal name and all aliases used on legal documents and other documentary proof of name and address.  Evidence in support of a name change petition must have a certified birth record ( or other recognized substitute such as a copy of an out of state birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or U.S. passport), proof of identification such as a driver license, NY State non-driver ID, or US Passport, and proof of address with utility bills, bank or credit card statements, or correspondence from government agencies like Social Security, IRS, or the Board of Elections.  The clerks follow a certain format in evaluating whether a name change petition was prepared correctly.  All aliases have to be stated and supported with documentary proof.  Questions about lawsuits, judgments, child and spouse support, and criminal records have to be responded to and in some cases corroborated with documentary evidence. In addition, the New York County - Manhattan legal name change order has to be prepared correctly following the local custom.  For example,  the legal name change Order has to be reviewed carefully to ensure all aliases are included in the caption and that each judge's unique requirements for document proof are satisfied. 

3-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in  New York County- Manhattan can affirm (certify) the authenticity of a copy of an original document ( except those where an original is required).  Otherwise, the New York County - Manhattan Civil Court clerk has to do it for you. This can be time consuming and inconvenient for you and the clerk, if you do it without a legal name change lawyer that practices in  New York County - Manhattan. 

4-A legal name change lawyer practicing in  New York County- Manhattan will appear in court with you to assist you in answering any questions about the judge may have about your debts, child support, law suits, and criminal records.  These questions come up in New York County - Manhattan Civil Court. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City.   Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.  

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Long Island

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Long Island

Why use a legal name change lawyer in Nassau Supreme Court in Long Island ?  

You can prepare and file the name change petition and exhibits yourself  and appear in court but you may come across some road blocks that may make it more difficult and more time consuming. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City and Long Island . Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

A legal name change lawyer practicing in Nassau Supreme Court in Long Island can help you to get your legal name change in Nassau Supreme Court quicker because:

1-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Nassau Supreme Court in Long Island understands the process of preparing and filing the necessary paper work in accordance with the local rules of the Nassau Supreme Court. 

2-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Nassau County, Long Island  knows how to successfully file the name change petition and exhibits in accordance with the strict standards of the Nassau County Supreme Court Clerks.  

The clerks in the Nassau County Supreme Court  screen the submission of name change petitions very closely looking for mistakes in the caption, mistakes in the proof ( or evidence) in support of the name change petition, and mistakes in the name change petition itself.   Captions have to correctly state the current legal name and all aliases used on legal documents and other documentary proof of name and address. Evidence in support of a name change petition must have a certified birth record from New York or another state ( or other recognized substitute such as a naturalization certificate ), proof of identification such as a driver license, NY State non-driver ID, or US Passport, and proof of address with utility bills, bank or credit card statements, or correspondence from government agencies like Social Security, IRS, or the Board of Elections.  The clerks follow a certain format in evaluating whether a name change petition was prepared correctly.  All aliases have to be stated and supported with documentary proof.  Questions about lawsuits, judgments, child and spouse support, and criminal records have to be responded to and in some cases corroborated with documentary evidence. In addition, the Nassau County, Long Island legal name change order has to be prepared correctly following the local custom and format. 


For example, the legal notice in the Nassau County, Long Island legal name change Order has to be prepared in the court’s customary format. 

3-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Nassau County, Long Island  can affirm ( certify) the authenticity of a copy of an original document.  Otherwise, the Nassau County, Long Island  Civil Court clerk has to do it for you. This can be time consuming and inconvenient for you and the clerk if you do it without a legal name change lawyer that practices in Nassau County, Long Island.  

4-A legal name change lawyer practicing in Nassau County, Long Island can in most cases appear in court without you being there if you have to work or be someplace else. 


Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City and Long Island . Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Staten Island

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Staten Island

Why use a legal name change lawyer in Staten Island Civil Court?  

You can prepare and file the name change petition and exhibits yourself  and appear in court but you may come across some road blocks that may make it more difficult and more time consuming. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City frequently practicing in Staten Island. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

A legal name change lawyer in Staten Island Civil Court can help you to get your legal name change in Staten Island Civil quicker because:

1-An experienced legal name change lawyer in practicing in Staten Island Civil Court understands the process of preparing and filing the necessary paper work in accordance with the local rules of the Staten Island Civil Court. 

2-An experienced legal name change lawyer in practicing in Staten Island knows how to successfully file the name change petition and exhibits in accordance with the strict standards of the Staten Island Civil Court Clerks.  

The clerks in the Staten Island Civil screen the submission of name change petitions very closely looking for mistakes in the caption, mistakes in the proof ( or evidence) in support of the name change petition, and mistakes in the name change petition itself.   Captions have to correctly state the current legal name and all aliases used on legal documents and other documentary proof of name and address.  Evidence in support of a name change petition must have a certified birth record ( or other recognized substitute such as copy of an out of state birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or U.S. passport), proof of identification such as driver license, NY State non-driver ID, or US Passport, and proof of address with utility bills, bank or credit card statements, or correspondence from government agencies like Social Security, IRS, or the Board of Elections.  The clerks follow a certain format in evaluating whether a name change petition was prepared correctly.  All aliases have to be stated and supported with documentary proof.  Questions about lawsuits, judgments, child and spouse support, and criminal records have to be responded to and in some cases corroborated with documentary evidence. In addition, the Staten Island legal name change order has to be prepared correctly following the local custom and format.  For example, the legal notice in the Staten Island legal name change Order has to be prepared in the court’s customary format. 

3-An experienced legal name change lawyer in practicing in Staten Island can affirm ( certify) the authenticity of a copy of an original document.  Otherwise, the Staten Island Civil Court clerk has to do it for you. This can be time consuming and inconvenient for you and the clerk if you do it without a legal name change lawyer that practices in Staten Island. 

4-A legal name change lawyer practicing in Staten Island can in most cases appear in court without you being there if you have to work or be someplace else.

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City frequently practicing in Staten Island.  Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.   

Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

Name Changes in Brooklyn for Minors Over Age 14

A legal name change lawyer practicing in Brooklyn can assist you with processing a minor’s name change. 

For children under the age of 14 years, the name change petition of one parent and the consent of the other parent is required in Brooklyn Civil Court.  If a parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate should be provided in place of a consent affidavit.   However, for minor children over the age of 14 years, an affidavit of consent from the minor living in Brooklyn will also be required.  A copy of a photo identification of the minor living in Brooklyn should also be attached. This can be a school identification card or a passport photo. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City frequently practicing in Brooklyn.  Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.  Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/ 

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Queens

Legal Name Change Lawyer in Queens

Why use a legal name change lawyer in Queens Civil Court?  

You can prepare and file the name change petition and exhibits yourself  and appear in Queens Civil Court, but you may come across some road blocks that may make it more difficult and more time consuming.

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City frequently practicing in Queens. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.    Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/

A legal name change lawyer in Queens Civil Court can help you to get your legal name change in Queens quicker because:

1-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Queens understands the process of preparing and filing the necessary paper work in accordance with the local rules of the Queens Civil Court. 

2-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Queens knows how to successfully file the name change petition and exhibits in accordance with the strict standards of the Queens Civil Court Clerks.  

 The clerks in the Queens Civil Court screen the submission of name change petitions very closely looking for mistakes in the caption, mistakes in the proof (or evidence) in support of the name change petition, and mistakes in the name change petition itself.   Captions have to correctly state the current legal name and all aliases used on legal documents and other documentary proof of name and address.  Evidence in support of a name change petition must have a certified birth record ( or other recognized substitute such as a copy of an out of state birth certificate, a naturalization certificate or U.S. passport), proof of identification such as a driver license, NY State non-driver ID, or US Passport, and proof of address with utility bills, bank or credit card statements, or correspondence from government agencies like Social Security, IRS, or the Board of Elections.  The clerks follow a certain format in evaluating whether a name change petition was prepared correctly.  All aliases have to be stated and supported with documentary proof.  Questions about lawsuits, judgments, child and spouse support, and criminal records have to be responded to and in some cases corroborated with documentary evidence. In addition, the Queens legal name change order has to be prepared correctly following the local custom.  For example, the legal notice in the Queens legal name change Order has to be prepared in the court’s customary format. 

3-An experienced legal name change lawyer practicing in Queens can affirm (certify) the authenticity of a copy of an original document.  Otherwise, the Queens Civil Court clerk has to do it for you. This can be time consuming and inconvenient for you and the clerk, if you do it without a legal name change lawyer that practices in Queens. 

4-A legal name change lawyer practicing in Queens can,  in most cases,  appear in court without you being there,  if you have to work or be someplace else. 

Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City frequently practicing in Queens.  Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email:  NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com.   

Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/