How to Change Your Name Legally in Dallas

November 16, 2020 Posted in Name Changes

Whether you want to change your name to celebrate a new marriage or your divorce, have always hated your name and have decided to do something about it, or want to change your children’s last names to your own instead of their father’s, completing a name change in the state of Texas can be complicated. Aside from a lengthy amount of paperwork and several court appearances, the process can take a lot of time and money if not carried out with one of our experienced Dallas name change lawyers. Because they have significant experience handling name changes for several clients, they can ensure that the process goes smoothly and is handled quickly and discreetly.

Eager to learn more about changing your name in Dallas? Below, our Dallas name change lawyers discuss some of the requirements and best practices for getting your name change done.

Determine Whether a Court Order is Necessary

In most instances, Texas courts will require a court order if you’re changing your name for a reason other than marriage or divorce. Fortunately, changing your name for these reasons is relatively simple. If you’re changing your name due to marriage and wish to take your new spouse’s last name or are adding their name to yours, you can do so in the name change section of your marriage certificate. You can then take your certificate to your county clerk’s office, pay a fee, and file your certificate.

If you’d like to change your name back to your maiden name after a divorce, it’s important to let your divorce lawyer know. They can include the name change petition in your divorce decree.

Changing Your Name or Your Child’s Name

Changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce is a much more difficult process, and requires the experience of our Dallas name change lawyers. First, only people aged 18 and over can complete a name change, and a child’s name change will require your consent as their parent. You will be required to submit fingerprints and a background check and complete a form that establishes your intent to change your name. This form will ask you a variety of questions, including whether you are a convicted felon or sex offender (if so, you won’t be able to change your name). Once you’ve filed your petition, you will be required to appear in court for a hearing, where a judge will determine whether or not they have approved your petition for a name change. Finally, after the judge signs your Order requesting a name change, you will file that order with your county clerk’s office and your name will be officially changed.

Why Hire Our Dallas Name Change Lawyers? We Make It Simple

Though all of the above steps sound like enough already, changing your name legally in the Texas court system is only the first step. Afterward, you will have to complete the arduous task of changing your name with the Social Security office, credit bureaus, loans and investments, and more. If you fail to do so correctly, you could be facing quite a headache. Hiring someone who can walk you through the process is key. Contact our offices and speak with our Dallas name change lawyers today to get started.