A mother, or father, cannot change a child’s surname by herself or himself unless she or he is the only person with parental responsibility. Any child who has sufficient legal understanding may apply in their own right for the Court’s permission to change their name.

How do I add a second last name to my child?

Giving your daughter a second family name may seem a natural step to you and your child’s other parent, but if you want it to be part of her legal name, you must get formal court approval. The court process is much easier and shorter if you file the petition for name change together.

How do I change my child’s last name on birth certificate in Texas?

How to Legally Change a Child’s Last Name in Texas

1. Provide the required information. Texas requires different forms for use in different circumstances.
2. File the required forms and pay the filing fee.
3. Provide notice.
4. Attend court proceedings and provide essential documents.
5. File the signed order.

How can I change my daughter’s last name to my husband’s?

How to Change a Child’s Last Name to My Married Name

1. Speak to your child’s other parent.
2. Obtain a petition for name change.
3. Submit all required paperwork.
4. Give a copy to the child’s other parent.
5. Appear at court for a hearing.
6. Request a new birth certificate for your child.

Can I change my name without my family knowing?

A: You will have to ask the court for special permission to get the name change without letting the other parent know. To do this, the judge will ask you to look for the other parent, and you have to look as hard as possible, asking friends and family and looking up public records.

Can I change my daughters last name to mine?

If you want to change your minor child’s last name, you can ask the court to do so. In some states, family courts handle name changes. In others, applicants must petition civil courts. Regardless of which court hears these requests in your state, you need a valid reason to request the change.

Can you use a nickname for legal documents?

Yes, as long as the nickname is sufficient to identify you as party to the contract, but generally a full legal name is better able to do this.

Can a 13 year old change their last name?

A child age 14 or older must consent to their own name change. If any of the children are 14 or older, each child must complete a consent. This is the form the judge signs to grant the child’s name change. Make sure to indicate whether or not a new birth certificate should be issued for the child with the new name.