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In most states, you can change your name by making a formal request with the judge handling the divorce. The request is then included in the divorce decree, which serves as proof of the name change. The divorce decree is considered official documentation, so you can use it to have your name changed on your identification and other personal records.
In cases where the name change is not requested in the divorce decree, you may still be able to change your name with relative ease. However, you may first wish to check if your divorce decree can be modified to include the request. Some states allow the decree to be modified even after the divorce is final.
If it is not possible to append your divorce decree, you may be able to simply begin using your former name. It will help if you have some proof of your former name, such as an old passport or a birth certificate. Most states will allow you to use such documentation to change your name on personal records, especially if you have been using the name consistently since the divorce.
Bureaucratic barriers may still arise after a name change but are far less likely if you are returning to a name you used prior to your marriage. If you are changing to a completely new name or have no documentation of your former name, you are more likely to run into hassles about the change.
To learn more about the divorce laws in your state, please contact us today. One of qualified divorce attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and option.