How do I change My last name?

Question

I'm a minor in Texas.

Answer 1

You need to go to court and petition to get your last name changed. You may have to pay a fee to do so depending on your county or statel laws. You should be able to get the information from Family Court.

Answer 2

In California, you petition the court. It costs $320. Then you run an ad in a newspaper for 4 weeks, notifying the world that you are doing so. That cost varies with the newspaper. It is in addition to the $320.

At the end of four weeks, if no one has objected, you get the final paperwork from the court.

The procedure is probably the same in Texas. The costs may vary. You will probably have to jump through more hoops than an adult would.  Call the county clerk and ask.

I suspect that the court will deny you if you are doing it on a whim. If there is an abusive or absent father involved, and you want to change to your mother's maiden name or her new husband's name, you should be able to do it. If you have always thought "Pack" was the most beautiful surname in the world and wanted to claim to be my 12th cousin 3 times removed, they will probably suggest you wait until you are older.

Answer 3

You can't change it until you reach the legal age in Texas.

Answer 4

I did it when I was 18 my name was Todd woods I had it change to Dakin O'Quill. You have to go court and pay about 300 quids.