Divorce & Family Law
Cohabitation
Civil Unions
Domestic Partnerships
Prenuptial Agreements
Marriage
Postnuptial Agreements
Partition Agreements
Separation
Annulment
Dissolution
Divorce
Requirements For Filing a Divorce
Grounds For Obtaining A Divorce
Temporary Orders
Inventory And Appraisement
Property Distribution
Award Of Alimony, Maintenance Or Spousal Support
Intervention In Divorce By Creditors
Mediation
Trial
Name Change
Remarriage
Post-Divorce Issues
Child Custody
Child Support
Adoption
Child Abuse
Domestic Violence
Parental Responsibility For Children's Action
Name Change
Contents
A spouse has the right to have their name changed back to the one used prior to the marriage. The name change is ordered in the final divorce decree and is accomplished by filing a name change certificate or other documents with the court clerk. The fact that any children of the marriage and their parent will have different last names is not a basis for opposing a name change.
My spouse wanted the divorce and now has requested that the court change my name back to my name used prior to marriage. Can my name be changed over my objection?
No. The court does not have the authority to change your name on your ex-spouse's, or anyone else's, request. Only you can request the name change.
If I change my name, am I still liable for the debts I incurred under my married name?
Yes, your name change does not extinguish any money you owe. Your liabilities follow you, even with a different name.