How to change name after divorce is one of the most common concerns clients ask about during the divorce process. Women want to change their last names after divorce for various reasons. Some women simply prefer their maiden names to their married names, while others like the idea of changing their names to something entirely new. If you want a fresh start, changing your name after divorce can be a good first step toward the next phase of life. If you’re wondering how to change your name after divorce in Texas, check out common FAQs and our changing name after divorce checklist below.
Is getting a name change after divorce hard?
If you’re a woman who is going through a contentious divorce, how to change name after divorce may be a top priority for you. Fortunately, changing a last name after divorce is pretty easy in Texas, provided you request the name change at the outset of your divorce. If you want to change your name to one you have NOT used before, for example, a name other than your maiden name, the state of Texas does allow you to make that change in your divorce decree, as long as you are not a convicted felon and meet other requirements.
Since a divorce name change is a common request, most reputable divorce attorneys in Fort Worth will ask clients whether they would like to request a name change in Texas after divorce early on. That way the attorney can include the name change paperwork with the petition for divorce (or answer to a petition for divorce).
At the Sisemore Law Firm, explaining the Texas name change after divorce process and facilitating that process for our clients is something we include on our internal checklist of to-dos. That way we can ensure a client’s request for changing name after divorce isn’t overlooked.
The judge in the divorce court overseeing your case will consider the request for Texas name change after divorce along with other requests you make during the divorce, like requests for spousal support, property division, child custody and visitation, etc. If the judge approves your name change request, the approved name change will be included in your Final Decree of Divorce.
If for some reason your attorney neglected to include your name change request with your petition for divorce, you may be able to amend your petition for divorce. In Texas, the request to amend must occur at least 30 days prior to your trial date if you want to get a name change after divorce Texas.
Why some women don’t change their last names after divorce
One of the most common questions we hear from women post-divorce is, “How do I change my name after divorce?” However, some women decide to keep their married names, and then change their minds months or years later. One of the most common reasons women don’t change their last names during divorce is because they share children with their ex-husband.
This makes sense for a couple of reasons. It’s one less change that kids need to adapt to, and it simplifies things at school, the doctor’s office and elsewhere. Mom doesn’t need to explain why she and her child have different last names, so how to change name after divorce isn’t a concern for her.
How to change your last name after divorce in Texas
If you’re wondering how to change your last name in Texas after divorce and you have been divorced for some time and want to change your last name later, you will need to file an Original Petition for Change of Name in the county where you reside. In order to make the name change official, you will need to schedule a hearing and appear in court, where a judge will need to approve your request through a court order.
While it may seem like a hassle to have to appear before a judge for a name change in Texas after divorce, appearing in court is required. As long as your attorney helps you get your paperwork in order and there is no compelling reason for a judge to deny the name change, you can expect the proceeding to go quickly once you appear before the judge.
When would the court deny a request for a name change in Texas?
During your hearing for changing name after divorce in Texas, the judge will want to make sure you’re not requesting a name change to avoid creditors or make it difficult for people to find you (say you’re doing something illegal or have a warrant out for your arrest). He or she may also deny your request if you are a convicted felon, unless you can prove:
- You’ve received a pardon.
- You were discharged from prison and/or completed probation a minimum of two years prior.
- The new name you have requested is the primary name used in your criminal records.
The judge may also deny your request if you have been required to register as a sex offender, unless you can prove you notified local law enforcement of your name change request. Ask your attorney how these guidelines may apply to you.
Can I change my child’s last name during divorce?
Yes, you can change your child’s last name in a divorce decree in Texas. You can also change your child’s last name in a separate suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR). However, you will need to meet a best interest standard (meaning the name change is in the best interest of the child) in order to change your child’s last name.
It can be very challenging to convince a judge to agree to a name change, especially due to the fact that the other parent can object. The age of the child and the impact of the change on the child’s emotional well-being are also strong considerations for the court because it can be a very emotional decision. Changing a child’s last name isn’t easy if parents don’t agree, and I’ve seen clients endure a final trial and appeal to make it happen.
How to change last name after divorce for your child in Texas: In order to legally change your child’s last name you will need to submit a Petition to Change the Name of a Child, request a hearing and appear before a judge.
The process isn’t that complicated if both parents (and any other legally interested parties, like a non-parent, managing conservator—such as a grandparent) agree to the name change. If the child is age 10 or above, you will also need to get his or her written consent to the name change.
When all parties are NOT in agreement about changing a child’s last name, you will need to jump through more hoops. You will also need to present a compelling case to the judge to show that the name change is in the child’s best interest.
Whether everyone is on board or not, it’s best to consult a family law attorney to guide you through the process of changing a child’s last name after divorce.
How much does it cost to change your name in Texas?
If you’re wondering how to legally change your last name in Texas, you may also want to know how much does it cost to change your name. The cost to change your name varies from county to county, so it’s best to check the website for the county where you reside.
You typically will pay a filing fee, along with other fees related process your name change certificate. Your family law attorney can advise you on how to legally change your name in Texas and what fees to expect. As a ballpark, you can generally expect to pay between $150-300 to change your name in Texas.
Name change after divorce checklist
Not only is it helpful to know how to legally change your name in Texas, you should also keep in mind that the process doesn’t end there. After you have completed the process for officially and legally changing name after divorce in Texas, it’s important to take steps to update your name with government and financial institutions.
Follow the checklist below for steps regarding name change after divorce.
- IF REQUESTING NAME CHANGE DURING DIVORCE: File a petition for a name change with your petition for divorce. OR
- IF REQUESTING NAME CHANGE AFTER DIVORCE: File a petition for name change after divorce.
- IF REQUESTING A NAME CHANGE DURING DIVORCE: Make sure the approved name change is included in your Final Decree of Divorce and request a certified copy of your Final Decree of Divorce from the County Clerk’s office in the County where you divorced. OR
- IF YOU REQUESTED A NAME CHANGE AFTER DIVORCE: Depending on the County where the request was granted, you will need to request either a certification of name change OR a certified copy of the Order Granting Name Change from the County Clerk in the County where the request was approved.
Have questions about changing your name after divorce in Tarrant County?
If you need advice from a family law attorney, Fort Worth and surrounding communities regarding how to legally change your last name in Texas, the Sisemore Law Firm team is here to help. We can answer your questions about divorce, child custody, child support in Texas, property division and how to change your name after divorce.
To speak with a member of our team or schedule a confidential consultation with our founder Justin Sisemore regarding how to change your name in Texas after divorce, contact us. You can reach our Fort Worth law firm at (817) 336-4444 or connect with us online.
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