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Tampa Name Change Lawyer
Our Tampa name change lawyer helps adults and families with legal name changes in Florida. Fast, affordable legal guidance for minor and adult name change petitions. Schedule a consultation today.
Tampa Name Change Lawyer Helping You Legally Change Your Name in Tampa, FL
Are you looking to legally change your name in Tampa? Whether you’re an adult seeking a new start or a parent requesting a name change for your child, working with a trusted Tampa name change lawyer ensures your process is smooth, compliant with Florida law, and stress-free.
At William S. Foley, P.A., we have helped clients across Hillsborough County successfully navigate the Florida name change process. We provide personalized legal support, explain every requirement, and represent you in court to help make this important transition as easy as possible.
Common Reasons for a Name Change in Florida
There are many valid reasons people decide to legally change their name. You may wish to update your name due to:
Marriage or Divorce
Restore a maiden name or adopt a new name post-marriage.
Adoption
Reflect a new parental relationship in the child’s legal documents.
Gender Affirmation
Align legal documents with your gender identity.
Cultural or Religious Beliefs
Embrace a name that reflects your identity or heritage.
Correcting Errors
Fix misspellings or clerical issues on official records.
Personal Choice
Start fresh with a new identity, for any number of personal reasons.
Our Tampa name change attorney respects your reasons, honors your privacy, and ensures your case is handled with professionalism and care.
Name Change for Minors in Tampa
Changing the name of a child under 18 involves more legal steps, especially when both parents are not in agreement. Florida law prioritizes the best interest of the child in these cases.
Legal Considerations for Minor Name Changes:
Parental Consent:
Both legal parents typically must consent to the name change. If one parent does not consent, the court may still approve the petition based on the child’s best interests.
Court Review:
A judge will examine the reasons for the name change and may consider the child’s age, relationship with parents, and emotional well-being.
Legal Representation:
A Tampa family law attorney can help you build a strong case and ensure all necessary documents are submitted correctly.
We have experience managing sensitive family dynamics and will advocate for your child’s best interest in court.
Name Change for Adults in Tampa
If you are 18 or older and live in Hillsborough County, Florida law allows you to petition the court to legally change your name. However, there are several legal steps involved, and mistakes can cause delays.
Requirements for an Adult Name Change:
Fingerprinting & Background Check:
Adults must complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Verified Petition:
You must submit a petition that complies with Florida Statutes Chapter 68.07.
Court Hearing:
A judge will review your petition and ask brief questions before approving or denying your request.
We’ll handle the paperwork, walk you through fingerprinting, and prepare you for your court hearing so you feel confident every step of the way.
FAQ's on name change
The timeline for a name change varies depending on the court's schedule and how quickly your fingerprinting and documents are processed. In general:
Adult name changes may take 4–8 weeks.
Minor name changes may take 6–10 weeks, especially if both parents are not in agreement.
Delays often happen due to incomplete paperwork or missing information—our Tampa name change lawyer helps avoid these common mistakes so you can move forward sooner.
You are not legally required to hire an attorney to file for a name change in Florida. However, many people find that working with a lawyer:
Saves time and avoids costly mistakes
Ensures the paperwork meets all Florida legal requirements
Helps resolve issues related to parental consent, criminal history, or citizenship
Increases the likelihood of approval at the first court hearing
Makes the process easier and less stressful
If your case is complex or time-sensitive, having a skilled name change attorney on your side is a smart investment.
Once a judge grants your name change petition, you’ll receive a court order as proof. From there, you’ll need to update your name with various institutions, including:
Social Security Administration
Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
U.S. Passport Office
Employer and bank accounts
IRS and insurance companies
School or university records
Voter registration
Our firm can provide a checklist to help you update your records quickly and accurately.
Why Choose Our Tampa name change Lawyer Services?
With over a decade of family law experience in Tampa, we offer:
- Personalized legal support for every name change case
- Experience with complex cases, including minors, immigration concerns, and gender changes
- Efficient filing and communication throughout the process
- Transparent pricing and clear guidance from start to finish
We’re proud to serve Tampa, South Tampa, Carrollwood, Brandon, and the greater Hillsborough County area.
Schedule a Consultation with a Tampa Name Change Lawyer Today
Whether you’re changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or a personal decision, the legal process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let us help you make this transition legally sound and stress-free.
