Legal help needed re: Name Change

[ctrl+alt+del]

Many of you may remember my post about how I found out who my biological father is last year. I intend on changing my last name to his and also need to do the same for my 2 children and wife, but I need to know what type of attorney to seek out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[cbs]

This is likely something you can do yourself if you go to a law library and get a good form book. In Travis County, the courthouse has a library and staff member that will help you find the forms. Otherwise, a family law lawyer is your best bet.

 

[RoundRobin]

CAD, I do recall your posts about finding and meeting your biological father. It was quite moving to read and I appreciate you sharing the experience.

Out of curiosity, what moved you to want to change your name? Do you currently go by your mother's maiden name? Do you have a bad relationship with the person's name you now use?

If I'm prying, please tell me to piss off.

 

[random horn]

Is it pronounced Os-wee-pay?

Is this something you need to go to a lawyer for? I always figured you filled out a form, the judged signed off on it, and presto you have a new name - no middle men needed. <muttering>Damn lawyers making nothing but problems.</muttering>

 

[random horn]

Do you have any plans to incorporate your adoptive parents'/step-dad's/whatever* name into your new name or are they cut off in favor of your biological dad's name?

*sorry to ask, but i don't remember the story

 

[TxStHorn]

It's very simple, and you can do it yourself.

PM me, and I can email you a basic petition with some very general instructions attached, if you like.

 

[ctrl+alt+del]

Thanks for the replies. Is this something that has to be filed in the state in which you reside? I ask because I now live in California.

As far as why I am changing my name, I carry the last name of my younger brother's biological father - a person with whom neither of us has had contact with in over 30 years and have no desire to do so. I want my children to grow up with their correct name and I wish to now carry it because the name I have has no connection to anyone I care about other than my brother and he certainly won't care if I change it. I never carried my mother's maiden name nor her current married name. I know, it's complicated, but this seems like the most appropriate thing I have ever wanted to do.

 

[bozo_casanova]

this may sound strange, but have you considered leaving it entirely alone or coming up with your own name that reflects yourself?

Meaning- if you kept your name as it is- that's not because of what your brothers fathers name is, but because you;ve filled out an enlarged it yourself. Likewise, your biological father hasn't played a major role either, so you aren't bound to him if you don't want to be. And if you do, that's great too.

Anyway, you've got a clean slate here, and can dictate this. That's a rare opportunity. If you want to honor your father, that's great. But don't deprive yourself of the opportunity to honor yourself and the man you've become.

 

[Bevo04]

family lawyer can do it for you pretty cheap. but like another poster said, you could do it yourself. i would google your county's website and look around for the forms.

 

[zzzz]

Screw that. Change your last name to "Reboot."

 

[Phil Conners]

PM me - I have a form.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

How about something like "Barbecue"... you know, a meaningful one.

OK, so only kidding.

Royal-Brown. That would be the correct choice if not going with your biological dad's surname.

 

[rhg84]

Nothing too useful to, but dood luck.

Possible names(from the simpsons)

MAX POWERS
Handsome B. Wonderful
Hercules Rockefeller