in the Interest of E.A. and D.A., Children

joined by Justice HECHT, Justice O’NEILL, Justice MEDINA, Justice GREEN, and Justice JOHNSON.

In Weaver v. Hartford, Accident and Indemnity Co., 570 S.W.2d 367, 370 (Tex.1978), we held that “a new citation is necessary for a party who has not appeared when the plaintiff, by amended petition, seeks a more onerous judgment than prayed for in the original pleading.” In 1990, however, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21a was amended to provide for a variety of methods of service, including certified or registered mail, for all pleadings and court papers except the original petition. We must decide…