How to Change Names for a Divorce

Return to your maiden name by filing the appropriate documents with the county clerk.

A marriage certificate is a legal record of your married name. Similarly, changing your name back to your maiden name after divorce is part of the dissolution process. If you did not change your name when you filed for divorce and now desire to, there are several ways to take back your maiden name.

Things You'll Need

• Petition for Dissolution or Petition for Name Change
• Divorce decree
• Marriage certificate
• Certification of title
• Stamped, self-addressed envelope

Instructions

Name Change as Part of Dissolution

1. Fill out your divorce dissolution, paying close attention to the section that allows you to give the former name to which you wish to return. Sign your divorce petition and bring a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the county clerk's office. Pay the filing fees and file the dissolution with the court clerk. Ask the divorce judge to modify the divorce petition to include a name change if it is not included on your divorce petition.

2. Use your maiden name. You have the legal right to use your maiden name granted to you in your divorce decree since getting married and getting divorced are legal ways to change your name. You can use your former name while the divorce is being finalized.

3. Wait until the divorce is finalized. You will receive your copy of the dissolution in the mail.

4. Obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate and divorce decree from the county clerk's office. Take these with you to government agencies as proof of your legal name change.

Changing Name after Divorce Decree

1. If your state allows it, you can modify your divorce decree after the divorce is finalized. Take a black pen, a stamped self-addressed envelope and the case number and date your dissolution was filed to the county clerk's office. Ask the clerk for the appropriate form. Fill out the form, and file it. Your copy of this order will be mailed to you.

2. You may need to submit a petition for a legal name change. Get this form from the county clerk, fill it out, and file it. Pay filing fees. Take a stamped self-addressed envelope. Once the petition is approved and mailed back to you, you are free to use your new name.

3. Get certified copies of your marriage certificate and divorce decree from the county clerk. Take these with you to government agencies as proof of your legal name change.

Changing Names on Documents

1. Take a copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and Certificate of Title to the DMV. Submit the necessary forms to change the name on your license and registration. Pay any filing fees.

2. Fill out an SS-5 Form, sign it and take or mail it to your local Social Security office. Social Security will forward your name change information to the IRS automatically. Obtaining a new Social Security card is free.

3. Give your new name to your employer, friends and family, financial institutions, utilities and companies with which you do business. Mail in a Change of Address form to the post office and submit a new Voter Registration form.

4. Complete a new application for a U.S. passport. If you have had a valid passport for more than a year, submit the DS-82 form. If your valid passport is less than a year old, submit the DS-5504 form. If your passport is damaged, lost or expired, submit the DS-11 form. Expect filing fees.

References

• Lawyers.com: Name Change After Divorce
• Women's Institute for Financial Freedom: Changing Your Name After Divorce
• NewLastName: California -- How to Change Your Name
• Nolo Legal Solutions: Name Change FAQ

Resources

• NewLastName:The Free Name Change Guide
• DMV: Complete a Name Correction on a Certificate of Title
• Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card
• US Department of State: Application for a US Passport
• DMV: How to Change your Name on your Driver's License or Identification Card