It is a tradition for many families to serve Black Eye Peas on New Year’s Day. Since the peas swell when they are cooked – the dish is said to bring prosperity. It is also a tradition to serve (collard, mustard, or turnip) greens, which symbolizes money, along with pork which symbolizes positive motion.

The Gilkes Law Firm is wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2011. In the spirit of the tradition, a drawing will be held for a $25 Gift Card to the Black Eye Pea Restaurant.

To be entered into the drawing, simply respond to this blog post by letting us know, “How Do You Plan to Celebrate New Year’s?”

The drawing will be held on New Year’s Day at 6:00PM. Only one entry will be entered per person. Thank you and good luck to all participants. Have a wonderful New Year!

Make It Official … Register!
If you’ve received a new driver license over the past couple of years, you may have noticed that you can’t elect to become an organ donor by just signing the back of your license anymore. In 2005, the State of Texas joined 40 other states and created its own donor registry. In order to be recognized as an organ donor, you must visit the Texas Donor Registry and enter your information into the database to be added to the registry. The registration is fast and simple. Once you enter your information, you will receive a confirmation packet in about two weeks which will include a sticker for you to place on your driver license so that others know you are a registered donor. It is also a good idea to discuss your decision with your friends and family so that your wishes are known and honored should your family be placed in a position to decide.

Dispelling the Myths
There are many myths and fears that keep people from becoming an organ donor. The main one is that if you are near death, and you are an organ donor, the doctors will not try to save you. This is absolutely untrue. The medical team and the transplant team are two completely separate entities. The transplant team is not called in until every effort has been made to save your life and the efforts proved unsuccessful.

Contrary to what many people believe, the family is not charged any fees to facilitate an organ donation. All costs are covered by a Nonprofit Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), no cost are passed down to the family.

Many feel that organ donation may be against religious beliefs. In reality, most mainstream religions support organ donation and consider it a charitable gift. The current and former Pope strongly support organ donation and Pope John Paul II called donation “a sincere gift that expresses our call to love and communion.”

Answering the Call
Every day, 17 people die waiting for an organ donation. At any given moment there are 96,000 people in the US awaiting a transplant – 7,000 located in Texas. Blacks and Hispanics have the most urgent need for transplants because it is often harder for this population to find a match.

 One donor can save up to eight lives by donating organs, eyes, and tissue. If you feel compelled to pass on the gift of life, you are encouraged to visit the donor registry and sign up today.

If you are considering a name change—whether for personal reasons, because of marriage, or to honor ancestors from another country—Texas offers an easy process to complete the name change. There are a variety of reasons that the Court will allow a name change for both adults and children.

Reasons for a Name Change for Adults

The reasons for name changes for adults include:

• Marriage,
• Divorce,
• A name which is difficult to spell or pronounce,
• Making a political or personal statement,
• Creating a professional identity, and
• Reclaiming the original spelling of a family name.

Reasons for a Name Change for Children

Reasons for a child’s name change are fewer and include:

• Adoption,
• Taking on his or her natural father’s name, and
• Changing to a mother’s maiden name after divorce.

If you are changing the name of your child who is over 10 years old, your child needs to sign a document agreeing to the name change.

Filing a Petition for a Change of Name to Your Texas District Clerk

Most counties in Texas have a name change packet that includes step-by-step instructions on what you need to do to have a name change. These packets include two important forms: the Original Petition for Change of Name and the Order Granting Change of Name. The packet will also include a verification form which must be signed in the presence of a notary. There are instructions on where to file the documents (usually with the District Clerk). Remember that when you are seeking a name change, you must sign off that you are not changing your name to falsify records, to avoid debts, or for any other wrongful, fraudulent or capricious purpose. You also must agree that the name change is in the best interest of the public. In Texas, it costs approximately $230 to change your name.

The Court Hearing

Although a court hearing is usually required for name changes in Texas, there are a few exceptions such as after a marriage or as a part of the divorce process. If a hearing is required, you will state the facts of your petition and the reasons behind your desire for the name change. If the judge approves, he or she will sign the Order Granting Change of Name at the end of the hearing. This document will then need to be filed with the District Clerk.

After your name change has been approved, you can use the order to change your driver license and social security card. You should also notify your bank, employer, insurance company, doctors, and utility companies. If you do not want to attempt a name change on your own, The Gilkes Law Firm can handle the process for you. Flat Fee rates are available for your convenience. Best wishes to the new you!