Legal Name Changes in Louisiana: Simple, Professional & Flat-Fee
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Whether you are reclaiming your maiden name after a divorce, aligning your legal identity with your true self, or updating your child’s name to reflect your family's reality, the process should be celebratory—not stressful.
At Louisiana Family Law Solutions, we handle the entire name change process for a $2,000 flat fee, including all court costs and filing fees. No billable hours, no hidden costs.
Adult Name Changes (18+)
For adults, a name change is often the final step in a major life transition. In Louisiana, this is a formal legal process that requires more than just filling out a form; it is a "summary proceeding" filed against the District Attorney.
The Petition: We draft and file a formal petition in the parish where you live or the parish where you were born.
The District Attorney’s Role: By law, the DA is a party to every name change. They perform a mandatory criminal background check to ensure the change is not being made to avoid debt, escape legal obligations, or hide from criminal history.
Eligibility Note: Under Louisiana law (R.S. 13:4751), individuals with certain felony convictions may be ineligible for a name change until their sentence is complete. Those with "crimes of violence" convictions may be permanently barred.
Finality: Once the DA provides an "Answer" of no objection, we submit the final judgment to the Judge. Once signed, your new name is legally official.
Minor Name Changes (Under 18)
Changing a child’s name is a significant legal milestone. Because a name is a permanent legal marker, Louisiana courts require a high level of consensus to ensure the change is in the child's best interest.
The Mutual Agreement Rule: Under La. R.S. 13:4751, the petition for a minor's name change must generally be signed by both the mother and the father.
Why Agreement is Required: To prevent "unilateral" changes (one parent acting without the other's knowledge), the court requires both legal parents to formally consent.
Our "Uncontested" Requirement: To maintain our $2,000 flat-fee model, we currently only handle name changes where both parents are willing to sign the petition.
Common Exceptions: If you are the only parent signing, we can only proceed if:
The other parent is deceased (we will need a death certificate).
The other parent has had their parental rights legally terminated by a court.
You have a court order for sole custody AND the other parent has failed to support or visit the child for a period of 1–2 years (this may require a higher level of review).
What Our $2,000 All-Inclusive Fee Covers
We believe in total transparency. Our flat fee is "all-in," meaning we handle the logistics so you don't have to.
All Court Filing Fees: We cover the initial entry costs with the Clerk of Court.
District Attorney Coordination: We handle service of the petition on the DA’s office and track their background check progress.
Professional Drafting: We prepare your custom Petition for Name Change and the Final Judgment to ensure they meet the strict requirements of the Louisiana Civil Code.
Certified Copies: After the judge signs, we provide you with the certified legal documents required by government agencies.
Updating Your Official Records
A court judgment is the "key" that unlocks your new identity, but you must still update your records. We provide you with the certified copies you need to notify:
Social Security Administration (SSA): This must be your first stop. Your federal record must match before other agencies will update.
Louisiana Vital Records: To issue a new birth certificate.
Louisiana OMV: To update your Driver’s License or State ID.
U.S. Passport Office: Essential for international travel and federal identification.
Start Your New Chapter Today
Don't let the complexity of the Louisiana legal system hold you back. Let a professional handle the paperwork while you focus on your future.