[Legal Advice] Change of Name Petitions.

No, no... you got it all wrong.

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Oh... er...

 

You can do this yourself. Just go to your local court and they will tell you what you need, it will cost you several hundred bucks I think.

 

Would anyone here happen to know the exact procedures one must undertake to legally change one's name?

I only have a general idea but, mostly from stuff picked up from websites that provide general information on general state laws and legistures, and have no direct link to any Texas or county courts. A few comprehensive, yet, breif guides .. But, I can't find any, if any revised dates for any of it.. to make sure how up to date the information is to current Texas and county laws.

So, here are the questions I mostly have:


1. Would I need an attorney? Even though I have never committed a crime or a misdemeanor?
No

2. Do I need to, and can I, pick up the proper and current paperwork for filing of a change of name petition from the actual county court? If not, where do I need to go? Are there online alternatives? Which is faster?
Yes, at least in Indiana.

3. Where exactly is the county court for Harris County? How does one contact the Court Clerk?
No idea.

4. How much does it cost to file a Change of name petition? Fingerprints ( are these required for all petitions, or only those with a criminal record?), getting it notarized, and the actual filing? Would there be any other expenses that I may have to make besides the three mentioned?
I think it was 200 when I checked three years ago here in Indiana.

5. How long is the entire process until your petition is approved or denied? Is their a mandatory court appearance?
No idea. My wife decided to save the 200 bucks

6. Would I only need an ID card and social security card/number to successfully apply? As far as proof of identity go?
Cann't remember the details, but the court will tell you.

7. Do I need to apply for a Change of Name Certificate aswell, if the court approves and orders my petition? Or is it optional?
Do not know.

8. How likely is it for a Judge to actually deny a change of name petition?
Not likely.

If there's anything I didn't ask but should know.. I'd appreciate that infromation aswell.

 

Here's a link from the knot on changing your name. It about changing after you get married but essentailly its the same thing.


http://www.theknot.com/ch_article.html?Object=AI91122120054