After a divorce, a person may want to change his or her last name back to their maiden name or birth name. This isn't usually a huge legal problem, but it can become complicated if you want to change the last names of your children as well.
FindLaw states that with divorce cases, you can ask your Houston family law attorney to request that the judge handling your divorce make a formal order restoring your former or birth name. If the divorce decree contains the name change order, then there's no other necessary paperwork. With the official documentation, you can officially have your name changed on identification and personal records.
A child's name can also be changed by court petition, if it is in the best interest of the child. The name of a child usually only changes when the parental roles are altered by a court order, such as a new child custody decree. In Texas, a parent or guardian may file a petition requesting a name change of the child in the county where the child resides, according to Section 45.002 of Texas State Code. If the child is over the age of 10, the child must give written consent to his or her name change.
It's important to note that a child's name change does not release the child from any liability incurred in the child's previous name. A name change also does not affect the rights or duties of either parent regarding visitation, child support, or rights to an inheritance.
Related Resources:
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Name Changes FAQ (FindLaw)
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Houston Family Law Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
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