Deciding whether to change your name during or after a divorce is a personal choice, and various factors come into play upon making your decision. There are reasons for and against keeping your married name, so let’s have a look at both.
In either case, it’s best to seek advice from a divorce and family law attorney so that you make an educated decision and feel good about it.
Reasons to Keep Your Married Name
There are several reasons to keep your married name post-divorce. One reason that many people choose to remain with their married name is to do with their children. It gives the kids, especially if they are young, a feeling of togetherness and of continuity, which is particularly soothing in drastic life changes. When they share the same last name as their parents, there is still a sense of family.
Building a career under a married name is another argument. If you’ve already made a name for yourself in your career under your married name, changing it can make you feel like you’ll have to start all over again. If you ultimately decide to do so, it will just take some time for the transition.
It is a noteworthy truth that some people just like or feel that their married name has become one of their identities. Apart from that, the process of changing any personal documents and accounts can be expensive and time-consuming, making the prospect of keeping the married name more appealing.
The Process to Change Your Name
Deciding that you want to revert to your former name in the wake of the divorce is straightforward, but you need time and patients to go through the process and paperwork. Changing your name after the divorce may be a bit more complicated and cumbersome, so you might want to make sure its done as part of the end of your marriage.
First off, the divorce decree is usually where it is entered that you want to change your name and should be filed together with the divorce proceedings. In fact, you can occasionally make this request during the divorce to the judge so that it will be written into the final decree.
If the divorce decree has no provisions concerning the name change, you will need to bring a petition of a name change to the local court. This task usually involves filling out forms, paying a fee, and possibly attending a hearing. Every state and country has its own form of the law, so make sure to check in your jurisdiction.
After the court allows you to have the new name, the next step is to update your name with different institutions and entities. The first step is to change your Social Security card and afterward, your driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, credit cards, and other official documents. Furthermore, inform your employer, utilities, insurance companies, and any other relevant people. This is time-consuming, but it is vital to ensure that your new name is reflected in all official documents.
In short, it is a personal choice whether to take your former name back after ending your marriage. Consulting with your divorce attorney will help you make the best decision for you to move forward with confidence and peace.
Legal Representation for your Divorce
Divorce isn’t necessarily an end, its about a new beginning. Start over and feel confident with an experienced and reputable attorney from the divorce and family lawyers at Rappleye & Rappleye P.C. in Jackson. We have more than 60 years of experience and understanding to help navigate your divorce or family law issue. Your voice will be heard as we handle all aspects of divorce and family law making sure to advocate for what’s best for all parties involved.
If you are thinking of divorce or have questions before you move forward, call our Michigan Divorce and Family Law Firm to schedule a Free Consultation.