CW Martin, Partner - Dallas-Fort Worth Family Law Attorney
Jan 3, 20223 min
Updated: May 28, 2022
If the name change helps the child identify with their family unit
How long the child's name has been in use
The age and maturity of the child
Whether or not the name change would be convenient for the child or the custodial parent
If there are any concerns regarding parental alienation or the bond between the child and a parent
Whether one parent contests the name change and why
A proposed Order Changing the Name of the Child
A file stamped copy of your previously filed Petition to Change the Name of a Child
A file stamped copy of your previously filed Child's Consent to Name Change if the child is 10 or older
A file stamped copy of the Return of Service form, which documents service on the other parent
A completed Certificate of Last Known Mailing address plus one copy
If you are not a parent, the court order appointing you legal guardian or managing conservator
Once Child’s Name Change Order is Granted
Once the judge grants the order for a name change of a child, you will need to notify the following agencies and, if requested, provide them with a certificate of name change which can be obtained from the court:
Social Security Agency to have a new Social Security card issued for the child
Department of Motor Vehicles if the child has a driver's license
If the child is associated with child support or child custody orders, you must also send a copy to the Bureau of Vital Statistics' Central Record File
At Martin Oostdyk, our Dallas-Fort Worth family law attorneys are experts in changing the name of a child in Texas. We would be happy to have a free 15 minute consultation with you to discuss your unique situation.