To: My Paralegal
From: Michelle Smith
Subject: Casey Johnson Matter
Hi Paralegal.
Casey Johnson is a long-time client of mine that lives in downtown San Marcos, Texas. I handled her divorce almost 15 years ago. She has asked that I help her change her last name from “Johnson” (which was her husband’s name) to “Lopez” (her maiden name). Typically name changes are handled in the divorce order, but at the time of her divorce Casey wanted to keep Johnson so that she and her children would have the same last name. Her children are now grown, and she would like to re-claim her independence.
Please read the attached Texas Young Lawyers Association guidance document called “Name Changes in Texas” and then draft for me two documents:
A Petition to change Casey’s name. Please format this like Form 1B:1 and use the wording in the “Name Changes in Texas” example document (paragraphs 1-9) for the substantive part of your petition. No need for subheadings (like “INTRODUCTION” and “BACKGROUND” in the 1B:1 form). No need for a certificate of conference or certificate of service. The “Name Changes in Texas” document should tell us whether a verification is needed and whether this should be prepared for District Court or County Court. For the left side of the style where we list the parties, you can use “IN RE CASEY JOHNSON” or “IN THE MATTER OF THE CHANGE OF NAME OF CASEY JOHNSON.”
A proposed Court Order granting the name change. Use Form 2I:6 as a go-by for a judge’s order. But use the wording in the example document from “Name Changes in Texas” for the substance of this draft order.
I realize you may not have all the information you need to complete these documents. Please get me solid drafts and I will work on getting the details filled in. Make sure your draft pleadings are formatted consistent with the rules we have discussed and that you charge your time. Many thanks!
