The first step in a name change request is to have your fingerprints taken for a background check. Go to your local law enforcement or print and take away to have your fingerprints taken. (You can download a copy of the fingerprint form here if needed.) The Texas DPS and FBI have to get your fingerprints, and they charge $15 and $14.75, respectively. Send your fingerprints and applicable fees to: Read the Texas Family Code, Chapter 45, Subchapter A. Any adult who retains legal rights over the minor and does not file a claim under the claim has (a) the right to a direct summons (notice) and (b) must give written consent to the court. The two main forms required to request a legal name change are the request to change the name of the adult form and the decision to change the name of the adult form. Download and complete both. Make sure the signature fields are blank. The application only needs to be signed in the presence of a notary, and the purchase order will only be signed by the judge if he approves the name change (also leave the date field blank). A Texas name change form allows residents of all Texas counties to apply for a name change in their local court. In addition to marriage or divorce, there are many incentives for changing one`s first and/or last name; Politics, religion or other personal reasons may play a role.
Name changes for adults (for persons over eighteen years of age) are often granted as long as the person is not a convicted offender and the change is in the public interest. A parent, guardian or guardian must file an application for a change of name of a minor (persons under eighteen years of age) for whom he or she is responsible, and it is for the court to decide whether or not the change is in the best interests of the child. Disclaimer: The information and forms contained in this guide do not constitute legal advice and are not a substitute for the assistance of a lawyer. It`s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your particular situation. Changing your name after marriage is a simple process and can be done without filing a petition and attending a hearing at your county courthouse. Simply enter the new name you propose in your marriage certificate and submit your marriage certificate to the district court after the marriage. A copy of your marriage certificate will be sent to you – this will serve as the main legal name change document. Use it to update your married name with various government agencies and financial institutions. Complete this additional departure form if the child is 10 years of age or older. Note: If the child is 10 years of age or older, you cannot change their name without their consent.
Who is the petitioner? You are the « plaintiff » – the person who asks the court to change the child`s name. Tip: It`s a good idea to have your completed forms reviewed by a family law lawyer. You can hire a lawyer just to review your forms. This is called « limited scope representation. » You can also speak to a lawyer at a legal clinic for free. If you need help finding a lawyer, you can: If you are obligated to serve the minor`s other parents (i.e. You have completed the Respondent A or Respondent B section or both on the application form), let the case officer know that you want the parent to be served personally. The Registrar will attach a copy of the petition to a « citation form » (collectively, the « original court documents ») and provide it to you. Give court records to a police officer, sheriff, or private litigation server in the county where the other parent lives (there will likely be a fee). They serve the other parent and fill out a « return of service » form once they have completed this service.
Then the server submits the statement to the court or gives it to you so you can submit it yourself. The statement must be submitted at least ten (10) days prior to your hearing date. Step 6: Make copies of the Notice of Final Hearing form. Make a copy of your completed Notice of Final Hearing form for each person named as a party to your case, including yourself. You must have the first court documents served on the child`s living parents (whose parental rights have not been revoked), guardians and guardians (each defendant). You cannot serve the first court documents yourself. Texas law requires certain things before you can apply for a name change (for an adult) and/or during the name change process in Texas. These requirements are as follows: This form must be signed by your child if they are 10 years of age or older. It tells the judge that your child wants his or her name changed. Note: If your child is 10 years of age or older, you cannot change their name without their consent. All minors under the age of ten (10) must sign a consent form when their parents request a name change.
Download the child`s name change form and ask them to fill in all fields, including the signature field. Who should be on the list of defendants in the application to change a child`s name? If you are the child`s parent, you must identify the other parent as the « guarantor ». If a non-parent has been designated as your child`s primary curator or guardian, you must also designate that person as the « respondent. » These instructions explain the basic steps for a non-parent lawyer to ask a court to change a child`s name if the child has parents, other lawyers, or legal guardians who are unwilling to sign the required court documents. Each step contains a link to the forms needed for that step. Download the Application Form to Change a Child`s Name, the Decision to Change a Child`s Name, the Civil Information Sheet and the Family Relationship Complaint Information Form. Enter all relevant information in the forms. You do not have to sign the petition in front of a notary; However, you sign the form under penalty of perjury (« Declaration » section of the petition form). Leave the date, judge`s name, and judge`s signature fields blank on the order form. The judge listens to what you say and checks your forms. If all goes well and the judge agrees that changing your child`s name would be in your child`s best interests, they will sign your order to change the child`s name.
Obtain at least five certified copies of the order signed by the judge to change a child`s name during your stay. The Clerk charges a fee for certified true copies. You will need certified copies of the prescription to change the child`s name on the Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, school records, etc. Each agency wishes to keep a certified copy of the order. You will also need a certified copy of the order for your records. Minor changes of name (persons under eighteen years of age) are dealt with by the district court where the child lives. A designated parent, guardian or curator must be the person who makes the application to the clerk of the court. The procedure is slightly different from that of a change of adult name, and the forms vary depending on the number of parents of the minor involved in filing the application. In addition, the written consent of the minor is required if the child is over ten (10) years of age.
