Lafayette Parish, LA

How to Change Your Name in Lafayette Parish

File your adult name change petition with the 15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette. The filing fee is $300. No newspaper publication is required.

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The court step is one of many β€” the free state guide maps SSA, DMV, passport and the records that come after.

Court Information

Court
15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette
Filing fee
$300
Fee waiver
Available for qualifying petitioners
Where to file
Petition filed in the district court of the parish of residence, the parish of birth, or Orleans Parish (venue for the Vital Records Registry) β€” La. R.S. 13:4751.
Court address
800 South Buchanan St., Lafayette, LA 70501
Court phone
(337) 291-6400
Jurisdiction
District Court
Verification
Verification in progress

Filing Requirements in Lafayette Parish

Newspaper publication
Not required
Court hearing
Not required for uncontested adult petitions
How to file
in person

Getting Certified Copies

available

You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport, and your banks β€” order more than one.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Gather documents: certified birth certificate, photo ID, and proof of residency in Lafayette Parish
  2. Complete the name change petition form (available from the 15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette clerk or its website)
  3. If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete a fee waiver form and file it alongside your petition
  4. File your petition in person with the 15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette
  5. No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition in this county
  6. If approved, get certified copies of the court order β€” available.
  7. Update SSA first, then DMV, then passport, then all other records

Check what you are missing before you file

The free readiness score checks documents, forms, fees and privacy across four dimensions β€” and links the gaps to the same Louisiana guide.

Not legal advice: Court rules, fees, and procedures vary by county and change over time. Verify current requirements with the 15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette clerk before filing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a name change cost in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana?

The court filing fee is $300. A fee waiver is available for petitioners who qualify by income; file the waiver request together with your petition. Certified copies may cost extra; ask the clerk for the current copy fee.

Where and how do I file a name change in Lafayette Parish?

File with the 15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette. Venue rule: Petition filed in the district court of the parish of residence, the parish of birth, or Orleans Parish (venue for the Vital Records Registry) β€” La. R.S. 13:4751. Accepted filing methods: in person.

Do I have to publish my name change in a newspaper in Lafayette Parish?

No β€” this court reports no newspaper publication requirement. Confirm this with the 15th Judicial District Court, Parish of Lafayette clerk before filing.

Do I need a court hearing for a name change in Lafayette Parish?

No hearing is normally required for an uncontested adult petition, though the court can still schedule one if it has questions.

How do I get certified copies of my name change order in Lafayette Parish?

Available. You will need certified copies for Social Security, the DMV, your passport and financial institutions, so request more than one.

NameRight provides procedural guidance, not legal advice.

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