How to Change Your Name in a Divorce in California

Change your name back during the divorce process.

Those getting a divorce in California can change their names using form FL100 during the divorce. The FL100 form, which requests the divorce, allows a spouse to change her name to the name used prior to the marriage. The spouse will not need to fill out any extra forms during the divorce to change her name, but she must change it with the appropriate agencies when the divorce is final.

Things You'll Need

• Form FL 100

Instructions

1. Download form FL100 from the California Courts Self-Help website or request it from the family court system of the county where you reside.

2. Fill out the form with the names of those divorcing and the reasons for the divorce. Name the children and who will seek custody and indicate whether spousal or child support is requested.

3. Locate No. 7, letter "J" and check that the name will be changed during the divorce process. Write the name the spouse wishes to be called.

4. Submit the form to the family court in your county and pay the filing fees for submitting the form.

5. Deliver a copy of the form to your spouse in person, through the mail, or by hiring a sheriff to give the spouse a copy of the divorce form.

6. Go to the family courthouse on the day of the divorce hearing and ask the judge to ensure the name change goes into effect. The judge will let you know when the name change should take place and when you should start changing the information on your identification paperwork.

References

• California Self Help; Form fl 100; 2011
• California Self Help; 2011