In re Name Change of Merchant

Jason Lane Merchant appeals the denial of a verified petition for name change. The trial court determined that Merchant’s petition was procedurally barred ■ as res judicata because a name change petition involving Merchant was previously heard by a predecessor judge and denied. .“Under the doctrine of-res judicata, a subsequent action is barred if there is (1) identity of the thing sued for, (2) identity in the cause of action, (3) identity of persons and parties to the actions, and (4) identity of the quality or capacity of the person for or against whom the claim is made.” Miller v. Fla.…