We Have Minor Name Change Filing Experts in Louisiana That Provide Reliable Minor Last Name Change, Minor Name Change To Father's And Mother's Name And Can Help You To File A Minor Name Change Case.
Minor name change refers to a legal process where a person can change their name without going through a formal court proceeding. A minor name change is typically used when a person wants to change their first or middle name, but not their last name. The process for a minor name change varies from state to state, but it usually involves filling out a petition or application form, submitting it to the appropriate government agency, and paying a fee. The applicant must provide a valid reason for the name change, such as marriage, divorce, or personal preference. Once the application is processed and approved, the applicant will receive a court order or certificate of Name Change Louisiana that can be used to update their identification documents, such as a driver's license, passport, and social security card. However, a Minor Name Change does not change a person's legal identity or erase their previous name from legal records. It simply allows the person to use a new name in their everyday life and on their identification documents.
Who Can File A Minor Name Change Case in Louisiana?
As per the laws in Louisiana a minor's parent, managing conservator, or guardian has the authority to submit a petition for a name change of the child in the county where the child currently resides. the Louisiana Family Code $45.001. If the child is 10 years of age or older, the child must also sign the petition. If there is another parent who shares parental rights and responsibilities, they must be given notice of the Family Name Change and have the opportunity to contest it. In some cases, a court may also require consent from the other parent or proof that the other parent has been properly notified of the name change request.
What Are The Legal Requirements For Filing A Minor Name Change in Louisiana?
A parent or legal guardian of a minor in Louisiana can file a petition for the minor regarding a name change in the county where the child dwells. The petition must be verified and include the minor's current name and residence, the reason for the name change, the full name requested for the minor, and information about the jurisdiction of a court. Whether the minor is under the ongoing exclusive jurisdiction of a court is a relevant factor to consider when filing a Name Change Petition for a minor in Louisiana.
How Much Does It Cost To File A Child Name Change Case in Louisiana?
The cost to file a petition for a name change for a minor child in Louisiana varies by county, but generally, there is a filing fee that ranges from $200 to $300. Some courts may also charge additional fees for copies of documents or other services. It's important to check with the specific court in the county where you plan to file the petition to determine the exact filing fees and any other costs associated with the Name Change Process. In some cases, you may be able to request a waiver of the filing fees if you can demonstrate financial hardship. If you have a low income, you may be eligible to have the filing fee waived by filling out and submitting a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. For more information on court fees and fee waivers, please refer to the relevant resources.
Where I Can File A Minor Name Change Case in Louisiana?
To file a child name change case in Louisiana you will need to file a petition with the district court in the county where the child resides. You can contact the district clerk's office in the county to obtain the necessary Name Change Form and information about the filing process. The district court is the appropriate court for this type of case because it has jurisdiction over family law matters, including name changes for minors. It's important to make sure you file the petition in the correct county, as filing in the wrong county may result in delays or even dismissal of the case.
What is The Procedure Of Filing A Minor Name Change in Louisiana?
The Procedure to file a minor name change is as follows;
Petition Filing
To change your minor child's name in Louisiana the first step is to obtain the Petition for Name Change Louisiana from the District or Circuit Clerk of Court in your county. Carefully read the instructions and complete all sections of the form, except for the dates and signatures. You must verify your petition by signing it in the presence of a certified notary public, who may charge a small fee for their services. After you have signed the petition, file it with the court clerk in your county. The clerk will inform you of the Service and Notice procedures required in your county, as well as set a date for a hearing. You must fulfill any additional requirements before the hearing date.
Fingerprinting
Not all states require a state and federal criminal background check when changing the name of a Minor Child Name Change, but some jurisdictions may require it. If your state requires a criminal background check, you will need to have your fingerprints taken at an IdentoGo Center before appearing in court. The cost for this service is approximately $40, and you can locate a nearby IdentoGo Center online.
Serving of Petition and Citations
To serve the citations to each parent, managing conservator, or guardian who did not sign a verification there are three formal methods available in Louisiana:
Request a formal Process Server through the Sheriff or Constable's office, who will personally serve the individual. You cannot serve the document yourself, and there will be a fee to hire a Process Server. Once served, you will receive a verification of personal service. Send a copy of the citation by certified mail, and the individual being served must sign their name on the receipt. You must obtain a copy and fill out a verification of service by certified mail, attaching a copy of the certified receipt with the person's signature. Publish a copy of the citation in a local paper of general circulation if you cannot locate or identify the parent, managing conservator, or guardian. It is necessary for the citation to be published at least once.
Attend the Hearing
Before attending your hearing, make at least two copies of all paperwork for your records. If you obtained a fingerprint card, attach it to the petition before filing it with your local court clerk. You must also present the clerk with any required proof of notice and service. If both parents do not consent to change their minor child's name, notice will be required, which can delay the process by at least 15 days.
After all the necessary documents have been filed and a hearing date has been set, attend the hearing in person and appear before the judge. If the judge approves your request for Legal Name Change for your minor child, they will sign an Order. Note that in some states, you may be required to bring your minor child and/or their birth certificate to the hearing. Depending on your state's specific procedures, additional documentation, such as photo identification and security cards for one or both consenting parents may also be required.
Obtain A Certified Copy Of the Minor Name Change
To obtain a certified copy of your Minor Child's Name Change Order, file the signed Order with the court clerk. The clerk will issue you a certified copy of the Order, which you'll need to update your child's name on important documents such as their passport, driver's license, and Social Security card. The cost for each certified copy of the Order is typically around $10. It's recommended to obtain multiple copies, as you may need to provide them to different agencies to prove the legal name change of your minor child.
File the Signed Order with the Clerk
Once the judge has signed your Order Changing the Name of a Child, you should return to the clerk’s office and file the signed Order. It is important to note that your case is not considered final until you have done so. You will also need to obtain several certified copies of the order changing the Name of a child from the clerk. Each certified copy will require a small fee. These certified copies are necessary for changing your child’s name on important documents such as their Social Security Name Change, birth certificate, passport, and school records. Each agency will require a certified copy of the Order for their records. You should also keep a certified copy of the Order for your own records.
Notify Agencies in Louisiana
It is your responsibility to inform the relevant agencies about your child's new name. To change your child's social security card, get in touch with your local social security office. If you need to modify your child's Louisiana birth certificate, reach out to the Louisiana Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Unit. You can find more information on birth certificate amendments and the application process on their website. If your child was born in a different state, contact the vital statistics office in that state of your child's passport, and contact your local passport office or Minor's Name Change If you want to modify your child's passport, get in touch with the passport office in your locality.
The flag of Louisiana consists of a rectangular field of blue with the arms of Louisiana, the pelican vulning herself, in white in the center, with a ribbon beneath, also in white, containing in blue the state motto: "Union Justice Confidence.