I have not committed any crimes and I'm not changing my identity to run/hide from anything. I'm 23 and pursuing an acting career and part of my major life changes right now include wanting to change my name. There are several online kits, ect. and I want to hear from people who have used them, or anyone who know how to get this done in Texas and how long the process takes. Thanks for any info you can offer!What are the steps to legally changing your name in Texas? Are the online kids legit? Anyone used them?
I don't think you need a kit, nor is it very complicated
Steps for Changing the Name of an Adult in Texas
(Note: Changing the name of a child is a different process.)
Step 1. Read the Law.
Read the Texas name change law in sections 45.101 to 45.106 in the Texas Family Code. You can find the law in a law library or online at www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/fatoc.h…
Step 2. Get these two forms.
1. Original Petition for Change of Name of an Adult. This is the form you complete to ask the court for a name change. It must be signed in front of a notary.
2. Order Granting Change of Name of an Adult. This is the form the judge signs to approve the name change.
Step 3. Fill out both forms EXCEPT FOR THE SIGNATURES.
a. After you fill out the Petition (except for the signature), go to step 4.
b. Fill out the Order so that it will be ready for the judge’s signature.
c. When filling out both the Petition and the Order, use your current name is as it appears now on your birth certificate or your social security card.
Step 4. Sign the Petition in front of a notary. DO NOT SIGN THE ORDER.
Once you have signed the Petition in front of a Notary Public, it becomes a “Verified Petition.” A Verified Petition is the same as a “notarized Petition.” Notaries usually charge a few dollars to notarize a Petition.
[In Travis County, a notary is stationed on the first floor of the courthouse and the charge is three dollars.]
Step 5. Have your fingerprints taken and staple the finger print card to your Verified Petition.
Check with local law enforcement to learn where you can have your fingerprints taken so you may file the fingerprint card with the court. Have your fingerprints taken and staple the finger print card to your Verified Petition.
[In Travis County, you can have your fingerprints taken at the Sheriff’s Office.
There is a $10 charge for the fingerprint service and the finger print lab is only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4
Step 6. Make copies of your paperwork.
It is always a good idea to make a copy of anything you file in case the originals are misplaced or lost by the Court. You will want to make a copy of the Petition, including the attached fingerprint card, and bring the copy with you as you follow the next steps
Step 7. File the Petition and Fingerprint Card in the county where you live.
File the original signed and notarized Petition and the fingerprint card with the Clerk’s Office in the county where you live. Pay the filing fee (expect the filing fee to cost around $200). Have the clerk file-stamp your copy and save it with your original Order.
Step 8. Go to court.
At the county courthouse, ask at the Clerk’s Office when and where you need to go to court so that the judge may sign the order approving your name change. In some counties, you may need to pick up your file at the Clerk’s Office and take it to court
Step 9. In court, wait for your cause number to be called.
When you enter the courtroom, check in with the Court clerk (usually seated next to the judge’s bench). When called, approach the judge’s bench. If you are sworn in, the judge may ask you questions. Be prepared to answer the judge’s questions truthfully and briefly. Address the judge as “Your Honor.” You may also tell the judge that the Petition is “verified” so that you may not have to give testimony.
Step 10. The judge will or will not sign the Order.
If the judge does not sign the Order, your name will not change. If the judge does sign the order, move on to the next step.
Step 11. File the signed Order in the District Clerk’s Office and request your Change of Name Certificate.
The change of name certificate serves as proof that the person named in the certificate has been granted a name change. A certified copy of the court order will also serve as proof of the name change.
Step 12. The Clerk’s Office stamps the Order signed by the judge.
Your name has now been changed. You may also request a certified copy of the signed and stamped Order. Pay the fee for the certified copy. Certified copies are sometimes needed to prove that the Court approved your name change.What are the steps to legally changing your name in Texas? Are the online kids legit? Anyone used them?
Your best bet is to go down to your county courthouse to the clerk's office and ask for the forms to do it yourself. They should be able to give you the forms and the instruction packet on how to do it for free, besides that you will have to fill it at the courthouse in the county you live in anyway, even if you buy the kit. So save yourself the money %26amp; do it yourself. The clerks at the courthouse should be able to help you. You can also go to your County's Superior Court website and look for those forms, they are sometimes online to download %26amp; print out.What are the steps to legally changing your name in Texas? Are the online kids legit? Anyone used them?
Name changes in texas are common law. theres no legal process to go through. You just start going by the new name and when you renew different cards, etc you just tell them your new name.
