Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

I need to change my name, first and last, and unfortunately in today�s society one can not earn a living without someone wanting to do a damn background check. I do have a felony and it is for an S.O. charge so can I use an online form or do I need to visit an attorney?


Asked on 9/08/12, 5:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

M. Elizabeth Foley The Law Office of M. Elizabeth Foley

There is no way to legally change your name using any kind of online form. You'd have to file a petition in a district court of the county where you live. If you decide to try to do this, I would definitely hire an attorney. Unfortunately, I think it's rather unlikely that you will succeed given the circumstances that you've described. The judge will order that a criminal history be run on you before the hearing, and will also want to know why it is you want the name change. I don't remember the exact phrasing of the statute, but name changes are barred in cases where it appears that they are desired for the purposes of fraud or to avoid the consequences of criminal behavior. And it sounds like that's exactly why you want one. Even if you make up some other reason, it's going to be very clear to the judge that the real reason you want it is because you're tired of being labeled a sex offender. Unfortunately, even if the judge did grant your wish, it wouldn't do you any good--the name change would be reported to DPS and your compliance officer, and all the records would just be changed to include your new name.

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Answered on 9/08/12, 6:13 pm


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