Name Changes

Name Changes | Facts and Resources.

Name Changes After Divorce

Western society dictated for centuries that a woman must take the name of her husband’s family when she married, but times are beginning to change in the early 21st century.  Name changes can be an extremely complicated and frustrating process, and because name changes are a state concern, laws can vary wildly from location to location.  Part of this complication is to prevent the avoidance of debts, to keep from defaming another person, or for any other fraudulent or illegal purpose.

After divorce, a spouse can elect to revert back to their original name or wait until remarriage to adopt a new name.  Changing names requires notifying the post office, the courts, credit card firms, banks, Social Security Administration, voter registration - basically, any organization that requires specific and accurate reporting of names.

Name Changes After Marriage

After marriage, an individual may choose to change their name, hyphenate it, or alter it in other ways.  Again, governmental and financial institutions must be notified, but the manner in which they are alerted and the time they must be notified in varies from state to state.  Part of adopting a new name after marriage is the frequent and consistent use of a new name, as this establishes intent to make a change.

An experienced family law attorney can help you organize the complicated process involved in changing your name after a marriage or divorce.  Although there are many options for legally changing a name, it is best to consult someone who has the experience and training needed to fully understand your situation and expedite it as quickly as possible through the complex legal system.  Contact a
family lawyer today for the guidance that you deserve.