A Notice of Change of Address is a formal notification submitted to the court and sent to the other party to inform everybody involved in a divorce case about the changes in the address during proceedings. This is done to ensure that parties can maintain effective communication and share the needed documents with no delays. If a spouse who relocates doesn’t inform the court and the partner about address changes, they may be penalized.
Download Notice of Change of Address Form in PDF Format
Statutory Obligations and the 60-Day Rule
In 2026, the Texas Family Code is still very serious about relocation timelines – especially when kids are involved. If a court order exists, a party planning to move must give written notice to all other parties at least 60 days before the move. The goal is to stop surprise relocations that wreck visitation schedules or pull a child out of school overnight.
If the move is genuinely unplanned, such as an unexpected job transfer, notice must be given no later than the fifth day after learning about the relocation. Miss these deadlines and the court can treat it as a violation of the order, which may include contempt findings or an emergency order to return the child.
Mandatory Changes for 2026 Notices
By 2026, a Notice of Change of Address is not a casual FYI. It must include specific, verified information to be legally valid: the new residence address, mailing address (if different), home phone number, and the name and address of any new employer. If the move changes the child’s school, that must be clearly stated as well. Courts need precise location information to enforce or modify custody orders.
The notice must be filed with the court clerk, and service rules have caught up with reality. Under 2026 updates to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21a, electronic service is mandatory if the other party or their attorney is registered with the state’s e-filing system. If e-service isn’t available, certified mail with return receipt is typically required.
For parties with safety concerns, including a history of family violence, 2026 law adds mandatory privacy protections. Upon a showing of risk, a judge must shield the relocating party’s address and county from public records and, if necessary, from the other party. In these cases, the notice may be filed under seal or provided only to the clerk and a designated third party for service.
Please note that the divorce documents provided in this article can only be used as samples. They may not be up-to-date or relevant to your divorce situation. OnlineDivorceTexas will provide you with all necessary documents needed to apply for a divorce in Texas with no delays. We will take care of the tedious paperwork required in your uncontested case.
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