Changing Name After Divorce

Just like marriage means a whole new life to look forward to, getting divorced would mean that you want to revert to a lot of things from your life prior to marriage. Changing name after divorce is one such thing. With the increasing divorce rates, more and more women are looking to revert back to their maiden names or obtain a new name, but do not really know the exact legal procedure and formalities involved. Many are also seen seeking information regarding this through divorce advice. Do not worry, for there is a well developed and defined legal procedure that you will need to follow in order to change name after divorce. Though the procedure may vary a bit depending upon the state you reside in, most of it is similar in all states. If you want to know how to change your name after divorce, follow any of the methods below.

Methods for Changing Name After Divorce

Changing Name After Divorce- Method A
To change your name after divorce, you need to make sure that you inform or request the judge handling your divorce that you want to change your name or ask your divorce lawyer to do so. Specify the name that you want to change your name to and the judge will include this in your divorce order.

Scenario 1
If the name change has been addressed in the divorce order, go to the court clerk and collect certified copies of the divorce order mentioning your name change.

Scenario 2
If the name change has not been addressed in the divorce order, you will need to file a petition requesting for name change known as 'Petition for Name Change'. You will have to back this with an 'Order for Name Change' in the State where you reside. A judge needs to approve your order for changing name after divorce and after that, you can collect the certified copies of the order from the court clerk.

Changing Name After Divorce- Method B
This is another method that you can use to change name after divorce. This method involves filling out a name change form and filing it with the court. You will also have to furnish certain documents as per the specifications on the form. The court then approves your form based on the verification of documents furnished and once your new name has been approved, you need to publish a legal notice in any of the local newspapers.

Changing Name After Divorce on Your Legal Documents

Once you have obtained the name change order through either of the above mentioned methods, you will need to change your name in all the government records like your driver's license and your social security records. There are a few ways how you can go about this. You can go personally to the Social Security office and the Department of Motor vehicles to change your name using the court order or divorce order and an identity proof. To all other government agencies, you can send a copy of the court order or divorce order to inform them about your name change after divorce.

An easier way to go about changing your name on your legal documents is by making use of Do-it-Yourself Name Change Kits, that are easily available or enrolling for a Professional Name Change Service offered by various agencies. For a fee of a few dollars, these agencies will take care of the entire process of changing name after divorce.

Now that you know how to change your name after divorce, remember, it is easier to change your name into your maiden name than changing it to a new one. You do not really have to wait for your divorce to be finalized to change your name. Using method B will be the easiest way for changing name after divorce. If changing name after divorce process takes a lot of time, you can choose to use both names and signatures by separating them using 'Also Known As' or 'AKA'. Its always better if you opt for changing your last name legally. Follow all the legal procedures so that your changed name stands valid.