Should I Go Back to My Maiden Name After the Divorce?

Marie Hillman • July 8, 2017

The name you use is an essential part of your identity. It is how you are known and how you first introduce yourself to others. You […] The post Should I Go Back to My Maiden Name After the Divorce? appeared first on Hillman Law Firm.

The name you use is an essential part of your identity. It is how you are known and how you first introduce yourself to others. You have to be comfortable with and should be proud of your name. So after a divorce, what name should you use? I tell my lady clients that this is a personal decision for them to make. There is no right or wrong decision. You just have to do what feels right for you moving forward.

Some mothers want to keep the same name as their children to keep things simpler with school and maintain their identity. Some have been using it so long that they are just more comfortable keeping the married name. On the opposite end, I have clients who go down to the social security office the day they have their divorce judgment to start the process. Changing their name back is liberating and another opportunity to distance themselves from their former husband.

Legally, marriage itself does not change a woman’s name; however, it is an entrenched custom in our society that women assume the name of their husbands once they become married. After you are divorced, you can start using your maiden name without a court order. If this is something that you know you want to do then I advise my clients to request a “name confirmation” in the divorce judgment. Having this verified in a legal judgment will make it easier to change to your former name on your, social security card, driver’s license and with banking institutions.

And guys…… sorry, but you cannot legally force your ex-wife to stop using your last name. Yes, I get asked that too. Her last name is her decision. As always, I’m here to help. If you have additional question, you can contact me at  marie@hillmanplc.com  or call the office at (985) 302-0813.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this article is or should be considered legal advice. The information in this article is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and viewing or receipt of information from this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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