POLL: Did you make your maiden name your middle name?

In order to change your name legally, (whichever...your middle or first), I believe you need to contact your local courthouse. (I'm in NJ..so it may be a bit different here, but dunno). They sent me a huge packet of info. The first step was filling out the information, bringing it in person to the court. They then issue a date when your 'hearing' will be. You have to put an ad out in your local paper because you have to put out a public notice that you're changing your name (in case of fraudulant purposes, etc). Then, go in person in front of the judge for your 'name change hearing'. After that, I believe you have to put another notice in a paper saying that it's been accepted (?). Then you have to send copies of forms into all of the appropriate federal agencies. Somewhere along the way you had to pay a bit over $200 too. (In addition to the numerous notarizing costs, postage, etc).

Overall I was way too intimidated. They indicated in paperwork that it can take almost 6 months to get through the process.

Hope the info helps....and please don't quote me on all of it! I don't have any of it in front of me.