The following procedure must be followed for changing the name under which you practice law. Please be advised that the attached affirmation must be submitted to this Court with the appropriate documentation attached. The application must be approved before you may practice under a name different from the name under which you were admitted.

Please keep the following in mind when preparing your application:

The attorney must file the name change application in the Appellate Department where the attorney was admitted, regardless of where the attorney now practices. For example, if the attorney was admitted through the Appellate Division Third Judicial Department, but maintains an office in the First Judicial Department, the attorney must file the name change in the Third Department.

The attached affirmation mus be completed by the attorney. The affirmation must be notarized, and the appropriate documentation supporting the reason for the name change [such as a marriage certificate or judgment of divorce] must be attached. The application form is based upon a change of name by reason of change in marital status as this is by far the most common type of name change submitted. However, we realize that name changes may be required by various other changes in life circumstances. Therefore, if the reason for your change of name is not covered in the affirmation please attach a notarized addendum and appropriate relevant proof.

Please be advised that if the attorney seeking the name change is not in good standing for any reason or, if other circumstances warrant, the attorney may be required to proceed by formal motion to the Court.

Mail your completed application to:

Attorney Records
Appellate Division, First Department
41 Madison Avenue - 26th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Attn: Attorney Records Clerk

Please include a self addressed business size envelope with proper postage. When the application is approved you will receive notice by return mail. While we notify the Office Of Court Administration Attorney Registration Unit of all name changes, please include a copy of the name change notification letter with your next registration renewal.

[Please print legibly in ink or type on the affirmation form. You may retype or scan the affirmation in to a computer. However you must submit an exact duplicate of the attached affirmation form.]