How to Change Back to Your Maiden Name

Changing back to your maiden name is not a difficult thing to do. People change their names for professional and personal reasons. Perhaps you want to create a new beginning for yourself, or you want to work under your original name. Either way, gather your legal documents and check into going back to your maiden name.

Things You'll Need

• Documents: birth certificate, divorce decree, driver's license

Instructions

1. Contact your local court system. Each state may have different procedures and policies for changing your name.

2. Fill out the paperwork. You may be able to access the paperwork you need through the court system's website, or you may have to go to the courthouse and pick up the paperwork you need.

3. Prepare your court costs. Check with the court system to find out what the court costs are, and when you have to pay the fee.

4. Submit your paperwork. Make sure you have all the legal documentation requested on the paperwork. Check that you have filled out the paperwork completely.

5. Expect to be contacted for further information. You may be petitioned for a meeting with a judge to go over your paperwork and verify information. Your paperwork may go through without a meeting.

6. Attend any appointments required of you. The judge may wish to know about your reasons for changing back to your maiden name. You may be asked if you have any legal issues pending, if you have declared bankruptcy, or if you are a resident of the area. The judge basically wants to make sure that you are not involved in fraudulent activity.

7. Change your name on all of your personal information. Once the judgment has been signed, have certified copies made of your name change. You can have this done at the courthouse. You may be charged a small fee. Businesses, your mortgage company and other companies that you work with may require a certified copy of your name change, not a photocopied document.

8. Complete each name change. Concentrate on the most important documents first. Your driver's license and social security information may be items to focus on.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow time for your name changes to be completed. It may take a few weeks for paperwork to be processed.

• If you are in the process of a divorce and wish to change back to your maiden name at that time, request that your attorney include this in the documentation.

Resources

• Change Your Name Legally - State Specific