Name Change Attorneys in Katy, TX

When Life Circumstances Dictate a Change

There are many times in life when a name change may be necessary. From adoption to divorce, changing your name may become necessary as life changes. No matter what the reason, Hunt Law Firm's knowledgeable name change lawyers can direct you through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Contact Hunt Law Firm today to learn more about the name change process.

What Information Is Needed to Change Your Name?

If you are seeking an adult or child name change, several pieces of information are needed:

• Current name
• Place of residence
• New full name requested
• Reason the change in name is requested
• For an adult, if he or she has ever had a criminal charge and/or conviction
• For some children, written consent depending on the age of the child

The name change petition in Texas must also include the petitioner's driver's license numbers, his or her social security number, gender, race, and date of birth. In the case of a child, the court will decide if the name change is in the best interest of the child. Our firm's role is to assist you with the technical aspects of obtaining a name change in court so you can move forward in life.

What Are The Steps To Change My Name As An Adult?

There are many reasons for wanting to change your name. They include professional reasons, wanting to differentiate yourself, or simply not liking your given name. However, an adult name change in Texas usually requires a Court Order.

Generally, courts will approve a name change for any legitimate reason as long as it is in the best interest of the public.

The following are the steps when changing your name as an adult in Texas:

1. File Original Petition. We will draft the Original Petition requesting your name change. Once you approve it, this document will be filed with the Court.
2. Court and Cause No. Assigned. Once the Petition is filed, the district clerk will assign your case to a specific court and provide a unique cause number.
3. Get Fingerprints Taken. Prior to changing your name, the Texas Family Code requires that your background and criminal history be checked by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) prior to the judge considering your name change request. You will need to get your fingerprints taken by a court-approved location. We will provide you with a list.
4. Complete Background Check. Once we receive your fingerprint cards, we will send them to DPS so a background and criminal history check can be completed. DPS will then directly provide the completed background check to the court.
5. File Order Granting Change of Name of Adult. After the court receives your background check, we will draft your Order Granting Change of Name of Adult. This Order will need to include why a name change is in the best interest of you and the public. After you approve the order, we will file it with the court and set a date for our court appearance.
6. Court Appearance. At the court hearing, before the judge can sign the Order, we will ask you a few simple questions before the court to “prove-up” the name change. This will include testifying to the contents of the Order and the reason you are seeking a name change.
7. Update Name with Agencies. Once the judge grants and signs the Order granting your name change, we will provide you with certified copies of the Order. Those certified copies will allow you to change your name on your driver’s license, Social Security card, Passport, birth certificate, etc.

What Are The Steps To Change the Name of a Minor?

In Texas, as a parent, managing conservator, or guardian, you have the option to change your child’s name. There are many reasons for wanting to change their name. However, a name change for a child in Texas requires a Court Order.

Generally, courts will approve a name change for any legitimate reason as long as it is:

1. In the best interest of the child, and
2. In the best interest of society

The following are the steps when changing a minor’s name in Texas:

1. File Original Petition. We will draft the Original Petition requesting your child’s name change. This Petition will include the reason for the name change and, if your child is 10 years of age or older, your child’s signature consenting to the name change. Once you approve the Petition, it will be filed with the Court.
2. Court and Cause No. Assigned. Once the Petition is filed, the district clerk will assign your case to a specific court and provide a unique cause number.
3. Service by Process Server / Waiver of Formal Service. The child’s other parent, managing conservator, or guardian, must receive notice that you are seeking to change your child’s name. Our process server will serve the parent with the necessary documents. If the other parent agrees with the name change, we can draft a waiver of formal service to be notarized and filed with the Court.
4. Responding to the Other Parent’s Objection. The other parent will have an opportunity to respond to our Petition if they do not agree to the name change. While the decision whether or not to grant the name change is up to the Court, we will confer with the other parent to see if an agreement can be reached before the court date.
5. Mediation. In order to reach an agreement, mediation may be necessary. Mediation is more cost effective than a contested trial and is required by most courts prior to final trial.
6. Agreement / No Agreement. If an agreement is reached, we will draft and submit an Agreed Order Granting Change of Name of Child. You will then appear in court for a prove-up hearing. If an agreement is not reached, and the name change is still contested, the judge will conduct a trial before making a ruling. At trial, we will present evidence on why the name change is in your child’s best interest.
7. Final Order. Once the judge approves the name change, whether by agreement or trial, the Court will sign the Order Granting Change of Name of Child.
8. Update Child’s Name with Agencies. Once the judge signs the Order granting your child’s name change, we will provide you certified copies of the Order. Those certified copies will allow you to change your child’s name with his or her school, Social Security card, Passport, birth certificate, etc.

Is There a Time Limit to Change Your Name After a Divorce in Texas?

After a divorce, many women choose to revert to their maiden name. In Texas, you have the option of changing your name back to your maiden name or keeping your married name. The process for changing your name is generally simple and can be done by filing a Petition for Name Change with the court. However, there are a few requirements that must be met before the court will grant your request. 

You must submit a completed Name Change Request Form, which is available from the clerk of court's office. 

Once your Petition for Name Change has been approved, you will need to notify various government agencies, businesses, and financial institutions of your new name. While it may take some time and effort to change your name after divorce, many women find that it is worth it to start fresh with a new name.

Get Legal Help from Hunt Law Firm

Our Katy name change attorneys can help clients with the entire process from beginning to end, providing assistance notifying all the pertinent government bureaus and helping complete all the necessary paperwork.

For effective name change representation, contact us for a case consultation.