The filing fees for a name correction are solely the Petitioner’s responsibility.1 In many jurisdictions, the Clerk of Court will not allow Petitions to be filed in forma pauperis because costs will ultimately be cast on the Petitioner regardless of outcome. The cost of filing varies and is set by the local Clerk of Court; the average cost of filing is $250.00, not including the cost of multiple certified copies of a final judgment. It is advisable that your client get at least four certified copies of their final judgment.
Because pauper status may not be allowed when seeking a name correction, it is important to speak very candidly and specifically with your client about all of the related costs before beginning the process. Contact the Clerk of Court for the district in which you will be filing and inquire about the filing fees in advance. Likewise, contact the local District Attorney’s Office and inquire about the steps that office require as some offices require Petitioners pay for third-party background checks or require that the matter be set for a hearing date though this is not mandated by statute. These additional steps will carry additional costs that you should advise your client about.
- 1La. R.S. 13:4755.