Full question:
I was charged and arrested for three Class B misdemeanors relating to one incident two years ago in another county in Texas. However, I was not convicted of the offenses then and was put on probation for 9 months with community service, a fine, and no jail time. Can this one-time blemish in my background bar me from obtaining a name change in this state?
- Category: Name Change
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
Depending on the charges, anything is possible, but typically, only a felony will prevent a name change for two years. For a name change for a felon in Texas, two years must have passed from the date of the receipt of discharge or completion of probation. In Texas, an adult may change their name by filing an action in the county court, in the county in which they reside, with appropriate forms. The court must find (1) that the name change is for the benefit of or in the interest of the Petitioner; and (2) that the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.
For an order of name change to be granted, the court must find the name change in the interest or to the benefit of the petitioner and in the interest of the public. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements.
The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in the State of Texas begins with the filing of a Petition with the County Court in the jurisdiction in which the Petitioner resides. The Petition informs the Court of the Petitioner's name, the name the Petitioner wishes to adopt, the reasons for the requested change of name, and other personal information required by statute.
After the Petition is filed and the required filing fee has been paid, if the court is satisfied that the required information has been provided in the Petition, the Court may Order the change of name if the Court finds it in the interest or to the benefit of the Petitioner and in the public interest.
It's a process that can be done by yourself without attorney representation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
