Name Change After Divorce

The process of divorce can be a tumultuous time filled with many procedures and legal actions. During this time, you will need to make many decisions. If you are a woman, one of these decisions may be about changing your name.

As your marriage ends, you may not want to be connected to your spouse any longer. This may mean changing your married name back to your maiden name or maybe to someone else entirely.

A name change is purely a personal decision. You might wish to stick with your married name, especially if you have children and want to have the same last name as them. However, many people want to start fresh and re-establish their identity.

If you decide you want to change your last name, the easiest way to go about it is during the divorce process. That way, your name is automatically changed once you receive the divorce decree.

You can change your name after a divorce, but there are a few more steps involved. Here’s what you need to do.

Obtain Proof of Your Former Name

You will need to gather documents that show your maiden name. This could be your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or old passport. These documents are used as legal evidence to prove your previous identity.

File a Petition

If your divorce decree does not include a clause for name change, you’ll need to file a petition with your local court in order to formally request the change. The petition will need to be completed and you will need to include your divorce decree and evidence of your former name. There will also be a filing fee, although a waiver may be available for those who qualify.

Court Hearing

A court hearing will be scheduled once you file your petition. During the hearing, a judge will ensure there’s a legitimate reason for the name change. A decision will be made at the hearing, so you will be required to attend. You may need to answer any questions the judge has.

Order for Name Change

If the court approves your request, you’ll receive an order for name change. This formal document serves as legal proof of your new name. You will need it to update all your records.

After your hearing, make sure you get certified copies. Aim to get at least half a dozen.

Update Records

You will need to update all instances where your married name was used. This may include the following:

• Social Security card
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Voter registration
• USPS
• Employer records
• Financial institutions
• Utilities

Some of these can be updated online, while others (like a driver’s license) will need to be done in person.

Seek Legal Help

A divorce comes with many changes. A name change may be one of them.

A Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you understand the pros and cons of any decisions you make. We’ll guide you through all the processes with less stress.  Get started with a consultation. Fill out the online form or call 954-764-4330.

Source:

forbes.com/advisor/legal/name-change/how-change-name-after-divorce/#:~:text=Filing%20a%20Petition.%20If%20your%20divorce%20decree,it’s%20how%20you%20formally%20request%20the%20change