Instructions - br The Louisiana name change for an adult as described in the State Statute Part IV-4751 is done by filing a petition to the county's civil court where you are a resident. It is easier, if you were just married, to have your certified marriage license with the raised seal or if you were recently divorced to have your divorce decree. Typically, you will not have a court hearing in Louisiana but it depends on the circumstances of the name change.br br REQUIREMENTSbr Must be a resident for at least 6 monthsbr If just married, must have your original marriage certificate.br If just divorced, must have your divorce decree.br Step 1 - Fill-Out the Louisiana Name Change Petition if you do not live in Jefferson. If you reside in Jefferson, Fill-Out the Jefferson Name Change Petition.br br All name change petitions must be NOTARIZED.br Step 2 - Make 2 copies of each.br br Step 3 - File the Petition to the County Court Clerk's office in the County where your live. Pay the filing fee and you will be given a case number.br br Step 4 - If you were recently married or divorced, chances are you will not have a court hearing. In the event you do, the Judge will ask you simply why you are interested in changing your name.br br Step 5 - Upon the approval of your name change, the court clerk will notify you that the Judge had authorized your name change decree and is ready for pickup. The name change decree is the actual certificate that will allow you to change your name at any private or public institution.