Name Change (Living in Louisiana, born in Texas)

[Alainaluvsu]

Okay this is more of a vent but any advice would be lovely.

As the topic implies, I live in Louisiana but I was born in Texas. I have a court order for a name change sitting right in front of my face. In it, the words say "IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED,  that the name of *original name* be and the same is hereby changed to that of *new name*; and that *new name* shall be the petitioners name after the recordation of this judgement in the miscellaneous records of Bossier Parish, Louisiana, as required by law"

and "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that upon presentation of a certified copy of this judgement to the Louisiana State Registrar of Vital Records, a new birth certificate shall be issued to *old name* changing his name to *new name*.

.....


So... damnit.... the DMV says they wont give me a new DL without the birth certificate because it says it says on the judgement that the Louisiana registrart will send me a new birth certificate changing my name from old name to new name. However, I just noticed the first paragraph of the order says that my name is officially my new name as soon as they filed it in the records of the parish (which it has been stamped as filed).

Should I go back to the DMV and wait another hour to point that out to them?

Furthermore, since I was born in Texas, the State of Louisiana will not change my name on the birth certificate (Because they technically don't have that to alter!). I'm wanting to go to Austin, Texas to change the thing in person, because going thru the mail takes 6-8 weeks; whereas going in person takes 5 days. However, I'm worried that since this stupid court order says the Louisiana State Registrar of Vital Records  shall issue my name changed birth certificate... they wont do it. I definitely don't want to drive 6 hours 1 way just for them to say "Well... this court order says Louisiana on it!" ...

I hate government... and stupid judges. Anyways, any advice?

[LadySerraphym]

  I am so sorry to hear you are having this problem. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I will probably have the same issue as I was born in Mississippi and I think they just amend the birth certificate. I wish I knew some way to help though. I am here for moral support if nothing else, and if you need to call and vent sometime I am a superb listener. 

With Love,

Aislinn

[Elizabeth K]

I live in Jefferson Parish and the Driver's License Office WILL NOT give you a name change (or a gender marker change) without a revised BIRTH CERTIFICATE!  They just won't no matter how hard you try nor how many times you point out the wording on the Judgement!

I too was born in Texas.  You simply get the form on line for the revised birth certificate, send then the paperwork they want, a check, and a copy of the Louisiana Judgement papers. (Texas honors Louisiana Judgements, fortunately)  Go through the State Records in Austin, not the town where you were born.

When you get the revised birth certificate, THEN go to the Driver's License Office, they then will revise it - IT HAS TO BE THE ORIGINAL (not a color copy) with the State of Texas seal. 

With your revised DL name you can get everything els changed - hint:  make a photocopy of your old DL and then when you get your new DL you can prove you were and now are who you say you are.

Lizzy

[Alainaluvsu]

I live in Jefferson Parish and the Driver's License Office WILL NOT give you a name change (or a gender marker change) without a revised BIRTH CERTIFICATE!  They just won't no matter how hard you try nor how many times you point out the wording on the Judgement!

I too was born in Texas.  You simply get the form on line for the revised birth certificate, send then the paperwork they want, a check, and a copy of the Louisiana Judgement papers. (Texas honors Louisiana Judgements, fortunately)  Go through the State Records in Austin, not the town where you were born.

When you get the revised birth certificate, THEN go to the Driver's License Office, they then will revise it - IT HAS TO BE THE ORIGINAL (not a color copy) with the State of Texas seal. 

With your revised DL name you can get everything els changed - hint:  make a photocopy of your old DL and then when you get your new DL you can prove you were and now are who you say you are.

Lizzy

First of all thank you so much

Second of all, did your judgement say that you had to file the judgement with Louisiana? I take it since you said Texas honors Louisiana judgements, that it doesn't matter if it says "upon presentation of a certified copy of this judgement to the Louisiana State Registrar", I can still give it to Texas Records of Vital Statistics and they'll redo my birth certificate?

[Elizabeth K]

That's exactly what happened.  It's obviously 'boilerplate' and they assume you are Louisiana born.  If you are Texas born you would not have a Louisiana Birth Certificate.  And Texas honors LA Judgements, yes.

I had my name changed in November - it will really make you feel good after that happens!   I even had my Registered Architect License revised to my now real name!

Good luck!

OH - the most hassle?  Fricking PAYPAL!


Lizzy

[Alainaluvsu]

Yay!! ILY! Thank you!!!

[Nov413]

If you can't do it, then I'd say to not worry about it, but then again I'm not much for names anyway.

Personally, I know that I probably won't be able to change my name for at least eight more years. Almost twelve if I stay in the US to complete my license. So, even though I will transition between that time, I'll still have my old name.

It doesn't matter though, because the people who meet me will only know that name at the beginning, but I will always introduce myself with the name I prefer. So, they will get used to that, and they are the only one's who matter. Besides, people are giving their children cross-gender names nowadays anyway, so it wouldn't be too far-fetched. I actually did consider keeping my name.

[Tammy Hope]

I am so sorry to hear you are having this problem. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I will probably have the same issue as I was born in Mississippi and I think they just amend the birth certificate. I wish I knew some way to help though. I am here for moral support if nothing else, and if you need to call and vent sometime I am a superb listener. 

With Love,

Aislinn

I was born and still live in Mississippi, and I have begun making inquiry with local lawyers about the process of name change and I was told in one office that it is actually a massive pain in the ...behind.

Harder, they said, to get than a no-fault divorce. Something to do with having to jump through hoops in Jackson or some such, plus the "judge's discretion"

I had considered using legal Zoom but now i'm a bit scared i'd spend the money for that and go down in flames.

Anyone with name change experience in Mississippi - if any there be - please advise?

[Alainaluvsu]

Just an update for those with similar issues. I have gotten my birth certificate back much earlier than I thought I would. They didn't say anything about the wording in the judgement. They also said it would take 4-6 weeks, I got it in about 2.5 weeks.