attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

Please - this isn't really career related totally, and I need some responses, so I'm posting it here.

If you changed your name, how did you address any pending matters before the court. I have a pro bono matter pending in court (just filed a summons), and TODAY (before the defendant was even served), I got notice that I may start using my married name. I don't believe a judge has been assigned yet, though we obviously have an index number.

I work for a big firm, so it was all pretty much under the firm's name, but I signed as the attorney at the firm. Do I do this by letter? Contact the clerk's office?

I'm not sure how to handle it now.

Thanks!!

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

I changed my name before I was admitted, so I'm not sure - but if you signed as an attorney associated with a firm, I don't know why the court would care that on future filings you use a different name (recognized by the appellate division as your professional name now). In my firm we have all different people signing pleadings, and the person signing and filing an S+C is not necessarily the person filing motions, making appearances, etc. on that file, KWIM?

At the time you signed, that was your professional name. From this point on, use your married name and I think you'll be fine. HTH

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

Every district and every State handles it differently - I would call the clerk of courts, or even just the clerk assigned to this case, and ask how they want you to handle it. Likely it will just require that you fax over a letter indicating the change of name for the record.

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

I think that the "attorney of record" would just be the firm name, not the individual attorney name.

If the Summons was just filed, there would be no Judge assigned and therefore no "assigned" clerk, it would just be the general clerk's office or maybe call the OCA? What county is this matter in? If you call, FM me and tell me what they say, I'm curious.

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

Posted by Sharon

Posted by Carolyn

I changed my name before I was admitted, so I'm not sure - but if you signed as an attorney associated with a firm, I don't know why the court would care that on future filings you use a different name (recognized by the appellate division as your professional name now). In my firm we have all different people signing pleadings, and the person signing and filing an S+C is not necessarily the person filing motions, making appearances, etc. on that file, KWIM?

At the time you signed, that was your professional name. From this point on, use your married name and I think you'll be fine. HTH

I agree. I believe you can just start using your married name, since that is now the name the bar recognizes. If you feel more comfortable, you can always sign your married name with "formerly known as" after it.

I REALLY have to petition for my name change - it's only been 4 years!!!!

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

Perhaps in my next filing, I'll sign my married name with (nee Maiden) afterwards... Maybe that'll help...

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

I think I hyphenated for those cases I was working on at the time my name change came through. But you can send a letter to the clerk of the court with your marriage license and your change of name form for the bar. That should be enough.

Re: attorneys (preferably litigators) who changed their name...

I should clarify I got married the October after graduating law school and taking the bar, so when it was time to get admitted, I did have to submit the form to the appellate division before I was sworn in.

If you are in Kings County, I wouldn't worry...the firm name goes in as the attorney of record. Just start using your married name...I doubt anyone in Kings would notice or care LOL. If it makes you feel better though I'd write a letter to the clerk and they'll throw it in the file for your matter.