Changing your name after a divorce is always an option.  But changing your name should not be an impulsive decision, nor should any important decision made right after your divorce.

In most states you can request that the judge handling your divorce make a formal order restoring your former or birth name.  If your divorce decree contains such an order, that’s all the paperwork you will need.  You should get certified copies of the order as proof of the name change.  A court clerk will be able to give you all the details. Once you have this official documentation, you can use it to have your name changed on your identification and personal records.

If your divorce decree doesn’t have an order restoring your name, you may be able to modify it.  In some states this is possible even after the divorce is final. But even if your divorce decree don’t contain this order, you may be able to resume your former or birth name if you still have some proof of that name, such as a birth certificate or old passport. In most states you can simply begin using your former name and request that it be changed on all your personal records.

If you were not ready to make a name change at the time of the divorce, and now you are, it is neither too late nor too difficult or expensive.  You can download the form online and submit it to the County Clerk’s office with the small filing fee.  They may process the form for you on the spot.

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