How to Change a Name in Louisiana

District courts handle name changes in Louisiana.

Petitioning to change a name can be a complicated process. Each state, including Louisiana, has specific requirements to change legal names. In Louisiana, the process is straightforward and can be done in a relatively short period of time.

Things You'll Need

• Application form

Instructions

1. Find out which parish the petitioner lives in. The name change process in Louisiana is done at the parish level. A resident of Jefferson parish, for instance, would need to fill out the appropriate application for the parish.

2. Fill out a name-change petition and provide supporting documents. This is an application form requesting a legal name change. This can be obtained though the district court of the parish.

3. Take the form to the district court building and present it in the county clerk's office.

4. Present the reason for a name change to the district court judge. In Louisiana, judges grant name changes after they are given the reason for the change. Usually a hearing date will be assigned by the clerk or judge at the court based on the time the court has available.

5. Pay any fees associated with the name change. The fees and costs will vary depending on the proceeding of the name change. Fees can reflect the cost of the proceeding.

Tips & Warnings

• A name change in Louisiana can be denied if the reason for the change is related to avoiding debts, avoiding sentences relating to a crime or similar ulterior motives.

References

• US Legal: Louisiana Name Change Law
• New Last Name: Louisiana Legal Name Change
• New Last Name: Louisiana Name Change Guide

Resources

• Louisiana: Information About Louisiana Parishes
• Louisiana: Application to Amend Certificate of Birth