Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

Name change

Can I change my original "birth name" to something else and stipulate the name change in my divorce decree? In other words, I would like to "drop" my first name and keep my middle and maiden name and have this legalized in my divorce decree.


Asked on 6/14/00, 5:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Name change

You can, but it will not legally change the name on your birth certificate. You are eligible to have your maiden or prior married surname restored, but you cannot substitute the legal process required to obtain a name change by inserting it in a divorce decree which is not designed to do that.

You can call youself anything you want so long as you don't do it to defraud someone, and you don't need a name change or anyone's permission to do it.

A legal name change is usually a low-cost or do-it-yourself project in your local district court.

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Answered on 8/08/00, 9:54 am


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