To begin the process, you must file a Petition for Name Change with the Civil District Court Clerk’s Office, located at 421 Loyola Ave #402, New Orleans, LA 70112. After filing your petition with the Clerk’s Office, you must serve it on the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Service can be completed by hand-delivery or through the sheriff’s office at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Please check with the Civil District Clerk of Court for the fees associated with filing a Petition for Name Change.

Once the District Attorney’s Office is served with the petition, an investigator will conduct a criminal history and background check to determine if any prohibitions listed in La. R.S. 13:4751(D)(1)-(2) apply. An Assistant District Attorney will review the petition to check for any deficiencies under La R.S. 13:4751(A)-(C). If no prohibitions or deficiencies are found, an Answer and Waiver of Trial and Appearance for Trial will be filed into the court record. If a prohibition or deficiency is found, an Objection will be filed into the court record.

Some applicants choose to hire an attorney to handle the process, while others may obtain a fill-in form Petition for Name Change at the Civil District Court Clerk’s Office and complete the process themselves.

After the District Attorney’s Office files its response, it is the Petitioner’s responsibility to contact the Civil District Court to determine the next steps required to complete the process. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Self-Help Desk at the Civil District Court. The phone number for the Civil District Clerk of Court is (504) 407-0000.