do i need a lawyer if i what to change properly name the state of texas

by Willie Eichmann II 8 min read

How do I Change my Name in Texas without going to court?

May 11, 2022 · Name Changes in Texas [PDF] This brochure, written by the Texas Young Lawyers Association, explains the requirements and the procedure for requesting a name change. It includes both the original petition and the order granting the name change. Name Change Toolkits (TexasLawHelp.org)

Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

Feb 08, 2017 · Get the Forms You Need in Texas. A name change is a major event. Assembling the necessary paperwork, going to court, and filing the necessary documents with government agencies can be time consuming and stressful. Fortunately, you can use our Texas name change forms for whatever's required. These forms should permit you to change your name, on your …

Can I Change my Name If I have a felony?

No, to change your name in Texas, you must be 18 years of age or older. However, your parent or legal guardian can file a name change request for you. Will Changing My Name Also Change My Child’s Name? No, changing your name will change your name only.

How do I change my name after a family court hearing?

CHANGE OF NAME IN TEXAS Changing your legal name in Texas is a relatively simple process if the correct procedure is followed and all requirements are met. While most name changes are completed in conjunction with a marriage or a divorce, this pamphlet will largely address obtaining a name change as a separate, independent process. When a name

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How much does it cost to legally change your name in Texas?

The court filing fee may be between $150 - $300 depending on where you live. Contact the district clerk's office in your county to learn the filing fee for an adult name change.Sep 14, 2021

How do you change your name legally in Texas?

Apart from Texas Vital Statistics — which amends birth certificates in cases of typographical errors — there is no state agency that handles a request for a name change. A legal name change requires petitioning the courts for a court order.

How long does it take to change your legal name in Texas?

Name change actions can take anywhere from a day to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.

What all needs to be updated when you change your name?

  • Get your marriage certificate. ...
  • Get a new Social Security card. ...
  • Get a new driver's license or state ID card. ...
  • Update your vehicle title and registration information. ...
  • Update your Passport. ...
  • Update your voter registration information. ...
  • Update your name with the United States Postal Service (USPS)
Jan 5, 2022

How long does it take to legally change your name?

How long does it take to legally change my name? Name change actions can take anywhere from a day, to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for name change actions to be ordered/decreed varies not only from state to state but from county to county and courthouse to courthouse as well.

How much does it cost to change your name?

Name changes cost anywhere from under $100 to more than $500, depending on your state. In many states, fees vary in each county, so check with your local probate, family, or district court clerk. Many states still have fees well under $100.May 2, 2022

Does changing your name affect your Social Security?

Your ability to interact with federal and state agencies, employers, and others may be affected because your financial, medical, employment, and other records will be under your former Social Security number and name (if you change your name).

Do you need a reason to change your name?

You don't need a good reason, just a legal one. You can change your name for any purpose short of breaking the law— and you can do it without a lawyer.

How do I change name on Social Security card?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

Does changing your name affect anything?

You probably expect to need to update your Social Security information and your credit cards, but there are plenty of other people who need to know about your new name as well. "A name change can have an impact on your taxes. All the names on your tax return must match Social Security Administration records.Aug 8, 2018

What are the benefits of changing your name?

Legally changing your name does offer quite a few potential benefits. First of all, it can give you a fresh start. Whether you want to put a difficult past behind you, escape the attentions of a stalker or start fresh during a new phase in your life, a legal name change can be very empowering.Sep 19, 2018

How do I notify the IRS of a name change?

Apply for an ATIN by filing Form W-7A, and file this form with the IRS. After a name change, file Form SS-5PDF. The form is available on SSA.gov or by calling 800-772-1213.Mar 28, 2022

How to change your name on your license?

The petition requires the following information: 1 Your present full legal name and place of residence 2 Your sex, race, and date of birth 3 The driver's license number for each driver's license issued in the 10 years before the date of the petition 4 Your Social Security number 5 The full name you are requesting 6 The reason for the name change 7 Whether you have ever been convicted of a final felony 8 Whether you are subject to the Texas sex-offender registration requirements 9 Any assigned FBI number, state identification number, or any other reference number in a criminal history record system that identifies you, if known 10 Any offense above the grade of Class C misdemeanor for which you been charged (even if not convicted), along with the case number and court if a warrant was issued or a charging instrument was filed or presented

How old do you have to be to change your name?

You must be at least 18 years of age to file for a name change. For a person under the age of 18, the consent of parents or a legal guardian is required. You will need to file for a name change in the county where you reside.

How to change your name on a marriage certificate?

There are many situations in which an individual might wish to legally change their name, but the following are some of the most common reasons: 1 Marriage. If you are simply taking your spouse's last name or adding their name to yours (with or without a hyphen), you can do so in the name-change section of the marriage certificate. No court procedure is needed. Take the marriage certificate to the county clerk's office for filing, along with a government ID and proof of your Social Security number. Fees range from about $30 to $85, depending on the county. Certified copies of the filed marriage certificate can be obtained for an additional fee. 2 Divorce. You can request a name change in a petition for divorce or in an answer to a petition for divorce. The name change will be included in the divorce decree. You can then apply for a change of name certificate at the county clerk's office, without having to go to court.

How many copies of a name change petition are there?

Make at least three copies of the Original Petition for Name Change of an Adult, your fingerprint card, and the Order Granting Name Change of an Adult. Staple the original fingerprint card to the original, notarized copy of the petition.

How much does it cost to get fingerprints taken in Texas?

You will need to have your fingerprints taken and submit them to both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The FBI charges $14.75, and the Texas Department of Public Safety charges $15.

How to change your name in Texas?

To change your name, you will need to provide: 1 Your current name and place of residence 2 Your age, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, and Social Security number 3 The full name you are requesting 4 The reason you are seeking the name change 5 Whether you have been the subject of a final felony conviction 6 Whether you are subject to Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (sex offender registration) 7 Any assigned FBI number, state ID number, or any other reference number in a criminal history record system 8 Information about any criminal charges above a Class C misdemeanor 9 A complete set of your fingerprints

What chapter of the Texas Family Code is name change?

Subchapter A outlines name change provisions for children, while Subchapter B outlines name change protocols for adults. These statutes also provide guidelines for name changes in a divorce suit and on receiving a change of name certificate.

Can a child change their name?

Whether you are a stepparent adopting a stepchild or changing your child's last name so that it matches your own, you will go through a similar process to that of an adult name change. You will file a Petition for the Change of Name of a Child, and the courts will need to sign an Order for Change of Name. However, there are some key differences and additional steps that must be followed.

Changing Your Last Name After Marriage

If you intend to change your last name once you are married, that can usually be done through the marriage process. Once you are married, it will be your responsibility to notify certain government agencies as well as update your official identification documents with your new legal name.

Name Changes in Texas

If you need to change your name and it cannot be done through the marriage process, see the resources below to learn more about how to petition for a name change in court. See our Name Changes in Texas research guide for additional resources.

E-Books from the Texas State Law Library

You can borrow the e-books below with your library account. Don't have a library account? Texas residents can register for a library account online! Learn more about how to register online.

How Do You Change a Name as an Adult?

There are several requirements that must be completed before a person can petition to have their name changed. Depending on the reason why they are changing their name and also on the relevant laws in their particular jurisdiction, these requirements generally include:

What Can Prevent Me From Changing My Name?

There are certain scenarios in which a person might be prohibited from having their name changed. In some cases, they may have to provide notice to a person who has an interest in their name change.

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