For many different reasons, you may find yourself in a situation where you want – or even need – to change your name. A Lafayette name change lawyer can help you in this situation. Perhaps you have a discrepancy in the spelling of your name on your social security card compared to your birth certificate.
Or, you may want to change the spelling of your last name to distinguish yourself from other people with your surname. You may want to change the name of your child to reflect your last name, or you may simply want to change your entire name altogether.
The law allows you to petition the Court to change your name or the name of your minor child. There are very strict rules that must be followed. In cases involving a minor child, the child’s other parent will usually need to consent to the name change. If not, you may still be able to change the child’s name, but you will most likely have to obtain permission from the Court.
If you have questions related to a name change for yourself or on behalf of your minor child, please call Family Law Attorney Josh Guillory today at (337) 233-1303 or click here to arrange a consultation.
While some clients simply need to change a name due to marriage, divorce, or adoption, others may be contemplating a change due to a relocation to a different state or other need to transition. Some want to change their name to reflect a gender transition or other identity shift. Still, others might need to change a name to protect themselves or their family due to a safety issue such as domestic violence or stalking.
There may be many reasons you want to do this, and having a Lafayette Name Change Lawyer experienced in the process will help walk you through every detail ensuring that your paperwork is correct and your petition granted. The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC, has many years of experience helping clients who want to change their name and will provide you with the kind of support and dedication to your case that you deserve.
A: In Louisiana, you have to file a petition with the district court of the parish where you live in order to legally change your name. Your intended name, your existing name, and the grounds for the change should all be included in the petition. In addition, you might be required to appear in court and submit to a background check. After considering your petition, the judge will issue a court order modifying your name.
A: In Louisiana, the price to change your name varies from parish to parish. The fee covers any additional expenses for background checks and certified copies of the court order, as well as publishing fees (if applicable) and court filing fees. For precise fee information, get in touch with the local district court. For those who qualify, several legal aid organizations may provide assistance with these costs.
A: In order to change your name on your driver’s license in Louisiana, you’ll need your current license, a certified copy of the court order authorizing the name change, and identification documentation like a passport or birth certificate. A utility bill or lease agreement, for example, could be required as further documentation of your residency.
To finish the process, go to your neighborhood Office of Motor Vehicles and be ready to pay a charge for the new license.
A: It is difficult in Louisiana to change a child’s last name without the father’s permission. Usually, the name change requires approval from both parents. You may, however, ask the court to change your name if the father is not there, is not answering, or there are exceptional circumstances.
Before making a decision, the court will take the child’s best interests into account. You might also need to present proof of your request for a name change.
Speak with a knowledgeable name change lawyer at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC, to make the process of changing your name in Lafayette, Louisiana easier. We can help you with the necessary paperwork, walk you through the legal requirements, and, if needed, represent you in court. By making sure that every stage in the process is done correctly, they lessen the possibility of delays or rejections. Contact us today for a consultation.