Changing your name legally is the same whether you wish to alter your first or last name. Although the procedures differ from state to state, practically every state needs you to file a petition with the county court where you live, requesting authorization for your intended change. The court will usually grant this request unless it finds that allowing it would be detrimental to someone's legal rights. The reason for this requirement is twofold: first, to make sure that there are no errors in the procedure; second, to ensure that the new name is not already being used by someone else. If another person has already been using the new name, they would have a right to object to your request, and without evidence of fraud or deceit, the court cannot authorize the change without their consent. If this were to happen, you would need to return to the original name. Your new name becomes effective on the date that the court enters an order authorizing the change or some later date set by the court. Either you or your spouse must appear in court for this order to become official. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian can appear on your behalf. Your name change can also be done through civil proceedings such as filing for divorce, obtaining a new birth certificate, having a new passport issued, or applying for naturalization papers. In most cases, only your given name will be changed through these processes.