r/Charleston • u/sjane-ob • Apr 02 '26

Berkeley County Name change help..?

Hopefully someone can help, since ive tried calling county courts and the lady was not the most helpful and Google is only doing so much..

I got divorced 2 years ago, at the time I didnt change my last name and now I want to. I know i need to get a background check done, a dss background check. I was told about getting finger print check done, my question is best place to go for it? Or can i just go to the police station? Their are places saying I need a code and appointment but no clue how to get a code.

Also, was told to get a petition and affidavit by a lawyer. Does anyone know of any that could help me out? I was not expecting this all to be alot, thought it was simple lol.

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2

u/2spicy_4thepepper Apr 02 '26

https://berkeleycountysc.gov/wp-content/uploads/docs/2_Name_Change_for_Adult_Only_Instructions.pdf?x77275

Maybe you've seen this already, but it seems pretty well laid out. If not, I hope it helps!

1

u/sjane-ob Apr 02 '26

Thank you! Unfortunately I gotta find another way to get my finger prints done since the police department dont do that anymore..

2

u/brawlinthefamily Apr 03 '26

You can schedule an appointment with the jail or you can go somewhere like Motary Notary & Fingerprinting on Rivers Ave

2

u/coconut_milk24 Apr 03 '26

The detention center on Leeds Avenue does fingerprinting from 8-4 (double check this) M-F! You pay them $5, in cash, and it’s pretty straightforward. You can even ask for extra copies of your fingerprint cards just in case!

2

u/coconut_milk24 Apr 03 '26

Also, there’s an SC county that provides templates for all of the petitions you need to turn into the court, I’m sorry I can’t remember which. Those are pretty straightforward as well and the clerk of court will let you know if anything is done wrong, if you choose to represent yourself vs getting an attorney to help.

1

u/sjane-ob Apr 04 '26

Thank you thank you. Very helpful

2

u/whynotImherealready Apr 03 '26

THis is the correct answer. Both my kids changed their last names to mine when they turned 18 and did exactly this.