
Pensacola Name Change Attorneys
Our Lawyers Can Help You Restore or Change Your Legal Name
In the state of Florida, having your name changed or restored can become an ordeal. You will have to file paperwork and your request may be denied or complicated by the court.
With our Pensacola family law attorneys at The Virga Law Firm, P.A., however, you can skip the struggle.
Once we understand your situation, we will provide personalized support and help you through each step of getting your name changed – no matter how complex.
Why Change Your Name?
You may have a myriad of reasons for changing your name. Within Florida, some of the most common ones are:
- Getting married
- Getting divorced
- Changing your child’s last name
- Making your name easier to pronounce
- Converting to a new religion
- Transitioning to another gender
Fortunately, courts in Pensacola recognize name changes connected to divorce proceedings, name changes for minor children, and most other name changes for adults.
Changing Your Name After a Divorce
If you’d like to return to your maiden name or original last name after a divorce, the process is fairly simple. Our attorneys will simply alert the courts to your wishes during your divorce petition or include it as part of the final judgement.
Once your divorce is finalized, you will be able to have your name changed on your passport, at the DMV, and at the social security office.
In the event that your divorce is already finalized, and you are pursuing a name change after-the-fact, we can submit the appropriate paperwork on your behalf. You may have to submit fingerprints and undergo a background check.
Rest assured, our attorneys can help you through every step.
Changing Your Child’s Name
If you wish to change your child’s last name, you will have to petition the court. From there, the court will consider the best interests of your child and confirm or deny the name change.
In scenarios of adoption or divorce, your child’s name change can be decided within the existing case, as long as it is still active.
Either way, our attorneys can help you present your argument to the court.
Changing Your Name for Other Reasons
If your name change is not being pursued on behalf of your child or during divorce proceedings, you will have to prepare an entirely different legal action.
The state of Florida will require you to be fingerprinted and your criminal record will be explored. You will also be expected to attend a court hearing.
Overall, you will have to take 5 steps to legally change your name:
- File a Petition for Name Change (this step includes fingerprinting and your court hearing)
- Update your Social Security card
- Update your Florida driver’s license
- Update your passport
- Update your birth certificate
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., we will be by your side every step of the way.
Introducing Yourself
The first step to changing your name could be a confidential consultation with our firm.
When you come in, make sure to bring the following information about yourself:
- When and where you were born
- Your mother’s maiden and married names
- Your father’s full name(s)
- Proof of residency in Florida and Escambia County
- A list of previous name changes (if applicable)
- Your occupation, employer’s name, and employment history
- Information about any bankruptcy case(s) you may have filed
- Your criminal record (if applicable)
- Your reason from changing your name
- A statement that the name change is being pursued for lawful purposes
As soon as we familiarize ourselves with your case, we can help you present this information to the state by filling out the proper paperwork on your behalf. We can also assist you in drafting your statement, which is required to demonstrate the legality of your name change.
Additionally, if you are having trouble compiling the information or evidence on the above list, our attorneys can help you gather it.
Get started! Call us at 800-822-5170 today.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.

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