Name Change

Adult and child name changes, including name changes in a divorce.

1. Adults and children

An adult files a petition in the county where they live, with fingerprints and criminal history information (Tex. Fam. Code § 45.102). A court generally cannot change the name of someone with a felony conviction unless they were pardoned, two years have passed since the sentence or probation ended, or another exception applies (Tex. Fam. Code § 45.103). A spouse can restore a prior name in the divorce decree (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.706).

Changing a child's name requires a petition, the consent or notice of both parents, and a finding that the change is in the child's best interest (Tex. Fam. Code § 45.004). A child 10 or older generally must also consent in writing (Tex. Fam. Code § 45.002). Forms: adult, child.

Practice questions