Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Name Change of Minor Child
9-year old minor's birth father ceased taking advantage of visitation rights 4 years ago with no communication since and his current whereabouts are unknown. Would like to change child's last name to that of her ''step''father (my current spouse of 6 years and the man she has grown up with as ''Daddy''). Is it possible to do this on my own with no lawyer (money is tight) and if so how would I go about the process?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Name Change of Minor Child
You need to get permission from the child's bio. father to change the kid's name.
Can you do it yourself? You can try. Go to a local law library and look in the family law section. The Texas Family Practice Manual is an excellent source.
The clerks in any county are required to accept the paperwork. However, it does not mean that the paperwork you file will work.
I urge you not to waste your money on the office supply store form kits or the on-line kits. Most are inadequate for the State of Texas.
If you can't find the bio. father, you will need to do a publication notification.
I urge you to retain an attorney.
When you need dental work, do you do it yourself or do you find the money to hire a dentist?