Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce - Change Name Depol

You want to Provide Notice of your Name Change in Connection with a Divorce!

Then Download our Divorce Name Change Notification Packages and Learn all the Procedures. This is an extensive package containing forms for notifying government agencies and others of a name change. Forms included for Passport, Social Security Card, Employer, Drivers License, IRS, etc.

Notice: This package may also be used for people who have changed their name by marriage, court order, or other means.


How to Change Your Name After Divorce Name Change After Divorce Checklist

Divorce is painful. This process is often long and drawn out and may leave you with a feeling that you want everything from that time in your life to be gone permanently. This includes the last name you took on when you married your husband.

If you feel you need to return to your maiden name to get a fresh start, a divorce name change will be needed. The laws regarding name changes after divorce vary by state. The first thing you will need to do is determine what is required by the law where you live. Once you do this, you need to learn the options available to you to complete the name change after divorce. Here are a few options that might be available where you live.

  • A last name change form may be incorporated into the divorce decree. The judge will inquire as to which name you would like to use and then include this as part of the paperwork. Once the divorce has been granted and the final decree signed, certified copies must be obtained from the clerk of the court. Each certified copy has a seal on it to prove its authenticity. If the divorce has already been finalized, contact the clerk of the court where you obtained your divorce decree to request a modification of this decree.

  • Another option when requesting a name change is to file a petition with the court. File this last name change form with your local court and pay the necessary fees. Most states will require that you affirm this name change is not being done for wrongful purposes or in an effort to hide from legal responsibilities. In certain states, other documentation must also be provided. This may include, but not be limited to, fingerprints and a criminal background check. In Hawaii, if the name change is not included in the divorce decree, the name change request must be filed with the office of the lieutenant governor.

Be aware that your name change after a divorce is not actually complete until you inform all government agencies of this name change. A new social security card must be issued, along with a new driver's license and passport. The IRS must be alerted to this change, as well as your employer.

As each case is unique, legal assistance will be beneficial to ensure all steps are completed. No two cases are alike and this is not an area where you want to make a mistake. Contact a family law attorney if you have any questions or concerns. He or she can help you complete your request in a timely manner


Related Topics Change Back My Maiden Name

See also, New Bride Kits | Court Name Change

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

Top Questions about Last Name Change After Divorce

  • How long does it take to change your name back after divorce?

    Changing your name back after a divorce typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the court's processes. The timeframe can vary based on the specific guidelines of your state and the completeness of your application. It's vital to ensure that your Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce are correctly filed to avoid delays. Many find using US Legal Forms beneficial for efficient handling of these documents.

  • How long does it take to petition the court for a name change?

    The time required to petition the court for a name change can vary based on jurisdiction and existing court schedules. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete the process. For those navigating this path, submitting well-prepared Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce can help streamline the process. Consider utilizing reputable platforms like US Legal Forms to assist in preparing your documents.

  • Why would a woman keep her married name after divorce?

    Some women choose to retain their married name after divorce for various reasons. Commonly, they may want to maintain a sense of continuity, especially if they have children who share the last name. Others may find professional recognition tied to their married name, making the decision to keep it practical. Ultimately, the choice reflects personal circumstances, but those looking to change their name can always explore Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce.

  • What happens if I don't change my name after divorce?

    If you choose not to change your name after divorce, you may continue using your married name in social and professional settings. However, some people might experience confusion, particularly in legal matters or financial transactions. It's essential to consider how your name aligns with your new identity post-divorce. If you decide to change it later, you can still file Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce.

  • Is it worth changing your name after divorce?

    Changing your name after a divorce can have emotional and practical benefits. It allows you to establish a fresh identity and can help in the healing process. Many find relief in returning to their maiden name, while others choose to keep a married name for simplicity. Consider how your name reflects your life moving forward, especially when addressing Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce.

Tips for Preparing Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce

  1. Consider all the pros and cons of changing your name. Before initiating the whole process of a surname change and completing Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce, you need to be aware of the fact that it's necessary to preserve name uniformity throughout your important paperwork, such as your passport or social security card. Usually, it's an extremely time- and resource-consuming procedure. In some scenarios, it's preferable to keep your old name if you want to share the same surname with your kids after breakup or in the interest of your professional development.
  2. Make sure you gather the proper set of papers. Depending on your case - be it marriage and separation, or any other individual circumstances, you need to get all the required papers prepared. For instance, in order to change your name after getting married, you need a couple of copies of the licensed marriage certificate and submission-ready forms. You will find Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual database of legal paperwork.
  3. Be aware of the polices related to changing names where you reside. The rules for name transition differ from one state to another. For example, in some states, a name change after divorce requires you to go through the troubles of executing a lot of documents and other actions, whereas these steps are regarded unnecessary in other states. All you need to do is update the information in an array of papers. If you need to fill out the Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce, consider US Legal Forms. It has over 85,000 forms drafted by legal experts and offers a variety of supporting materials to help you find and fill out the papers properly.
  4. Never use a change of name form to dodge troubles with the legal authorities. You have the right to get or not to get your old name back for whatever reasons. However, if consider filling out and filing Name Change Petitions and Motions After Divorce in an effort to hide from lenders or spending money on your child's care, it may result in heavy penalties or other consequences.