SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A new bill in Illinois could soon change how people legally change their names, making the process simpler, faster, and more private.
Currently, anyone over 18 who has lived in Illinois for at least six months can apply to change their name. However, the existing process requires filing a petition, attending a court hearing, and publishing the name change in a public newspaper. For many, especially those seeking privacy, these steps can be complicated and stressful.
If the proposed bill becomes law, it would eliminate the requirement to publicly announce a name change. Instead, individuals could request that court records related to their name change be “impounded.” This means the records would be sealed from public view, providing much-needed privacy. Unlike fully sealed records, impounded records can still be accessed by the court but are not available to the public.
This change is designed to help vulnerable people, including survivors of domestic violence and those undergoing gender transitions, by protecting their privacy and safety.
The new rules would also reduce the residency requirement from six months to just three months. However, applicants would still need to be at least 18 years old.
Concerns Over Potential Misuse
While the bill aims to simplify and protect people’s privacy, some critics worry it could be misused. They argue that removing the publication requirement could make it easier for people to avoid legal responsibilities, like hiding from immigration authorities or dodging background checks.
Despite these concerns, supporters believe the bill strikes the right balance between privacy and security. If signed into law, the new rules will take effect on March 1, 2025.
(Source : kfvs12.com)
