In Nigeria, changing your name after marriage involves a legal process that you should follow to ensure the change is recognized. Here are the steps to legally change your name after marriage:
- Marriage Certificate: Obtain your official marriage certificate from the appropriate marriage registry. This is a crucial document that proves your marriage.
- Publication of Marriage: Some states in Nigeria require you to publish your change of name in a national newspaper. Check with your local marriage registry to determine if this step is necessary.
- Sworn Affidavit: Visit a notary public or a high court to swear an affidavit stating your intention to change your name after marriage. The affidavit should include your old name, new name, reason for the change, and any other necessary details. The affidavit should also include a copy of your marriage certificate.
- Newspaper Publication: If required, publish an announcement of your name change in a national newspaper. This serves as public notice of your intention to change your name.
- Deed Poll: Draft a deed poll, a legal document that confirms your name change. This document should be prepared in line with legal requirements and should include your old and new names, your reason for changing your name, your signature, and the signature of a witness.
- Authentication: Visit a high court, notary public, or legal practitioner to authenticate your deed poll. This process involves signing the deed poll in the presence of the appropriate authority.
- Gazette Publication: Publish your name change in the official government gazette. This step ensures that your name change is officially recognized by the government.
- Updating Documents: With your authenticated deed poll and gazette publication, you can now update your identification documents, such as your driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, and other official documents.
- Notification: Inform relevant institutions and authorities about your name change, such as your employer, educational institutions, banks, and other organizations you’re associated with.
It’s important to follow these steps carefully to ensure that your name change is legally recognized. Keep copies of all relevant documents for future reference. If you’re unsure about any step, consider consulting a legal professional to guide you through the process.
