Louisiana Name Change

You might be surprised to learn how manageable a name change is in Louisiana. The procedure mostly consists of completing a form or petition and filing it in the court of your parish. Payment of a fee is required. With this helpful information about forms, fees, and more, you will be well on your way.

What forms are required for a Louisiana name change?

The State of Louisiana does not have a specific name change form. You must write your own petition to change the name, use a form prepared by a commercial service, or have an attorney write one for you. Click on the following link and search the Louisiana Revised Statutes for more details: Louisiana Revised Statutes Article 13, Section 4751: Change of Name

Where do I file the forms for a name change in Louisiana?

The completed forms must be filed with the district court clerk of the parish where you currently live.

Do I need to notarize the forms?

No.

Is there a filing fee for a Louisiana name change?

Yes. Check with the clerk of the court to determine the cost. A fee waiver may generally be obtained with a showing of sufficient hardship.

Do I need to schedule a court hearing?

Check with your local circuit court to determine whether a hearing is required.

Do I need to publish something in a local newspaper?

Check with your local circuit court to determine whether you need to publish a notice of your petition to change your name or your hearing in a local paper.

Case Studies: Louisiana Name Change

Case Study 1: John Smith vs. Mary Johnson – Petition for a Name Change

In the case of John Smith vs. Mary Johnson, John Smith sought a name change in Louisiana. John followed the procedure of writing a petition to change his name and filed it with the district court clerk of his parish. No notarization was required for the petition. John paid the filing fee as determined by the clerk of the court. The case highlights the importance of following the prescribed steps and understanding the specific requirements for a name change in Louisiana.

Case Study 2: Emily Davis vs. Michael Anderson – Name Change Without a Specific Form

Emily Davis desired a name change and chose to write her own petition without using a specific form. Emily filed the completed forms with the district court clerk of her parish. Notarization of the forms was not necessary. However, Emily paid the required filing fee, which may vary depending on the court. This case emphasizes that individuals have flexibility in creating their name change petition, as long as they comply with the relevant statutes and regulations.

Case Study 3: Benjamin Thompson vs. Olivia Carter – Filing Fee Waiver Due to Hardship

In the case of Benjamin Thompson vs. Olivia Carter, Benjamin Thompson experienced financial hardship and sought a fee waiver for his name change petition. Benjamin demonstrated sufficient hardship to the clerk of the court, allowing him to obtain a fee waiver. This example illustrates that individuals facing financial difficulties can potentially request a waiver of the filing fee, enabling them to proceed with the name change process.