Q: I am 60 years old and I found that my name on my birth certificate is different from the name that I have been using
I went to court with my mom mid 1980's and now I am having trouble identifying myself without knowing. The court has no records. I can't work or get a state ID since my ss# says the name that I used from the 80's until now. I have no criminal record at all. What do I do?
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A:
If you have been using a name that is different from the name on your birth certificate for many years and you do not have any legal documents to show that you legally changed your name, it can create difficulties in identifying yourself and obtaining official identification documents.
To resolve this issue, you may need to go through the legal process of changing your name to match the name you have been using. The process for changing your name varies depending on the state you reside in, but generally involves filing a petition with the court and providing documentation to support your request for a name change.
You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in name changes to guide you through the process and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Once your name change is legally recognized, you can update your identification documents, such as your social security card, driver's license, and passport, to reflect your new name.
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