Changing Your Name When You Divorce

While not all women take their husband’s last name, it is still a tradition many follow when they get married. If you switched from your maiden name to your spouse’s name, or if you choose to hyphenate your name, you may be considering changing to your maiden name when you divorce. There are many elements to consider. For some, returning to their maiden name to be liberating, a way to reclaim their independence. Others prefer to keep their husband’s family name, for their career or because they want the same name as their kids.

There are many considerations when navigating a Florida divorce. Share your concerns and objectives with an Orlando divorce lawyer. Then, you will be accessing extensive knowledge on cases similar to your own and learn about how to secure the post-divorce life you want.

Ongoing Disputes and Leverage

Choosing to change your name is a personal decision, it is yours to make. That said, some find their decision to change their name can be useful in negotiating the terms of a divorce. For example, your soon-to-be-ex spouse may want you to revert to your maiden name. If you are ok with doing so, you could agree to return to your maiden name in exchange for something you would like out of the divorce agreement, from a parenting plan component to a specific division of assets.

When a name change does occur, there are a lot of different documents that will need to be revised. For you, this could include some or all of the following:

• Motor vehicle licenses
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Mortgage paperwork
• Financial accounts
• Human resources documents at your workplace
• Credit cards and other debt obligations
• Passports
• Global Enty/TSA PreCheck
• Wills and trusts

Of course, each situation is unique. If you are using one name professionally and another in your personal life, be sure to share that with your lawyer and financial institutions so the correct language is used throughout your official documentation.

Talk to a Florida Family Lawyer

There are many transitions when divorcing. A name transition is typically smooth. That said, if there is a premarital agreement that has language about name changes, that will need to be reviewed. Talk to an Orlando divorce lawyer to have a professional guide you through the process.

It is also important to note that there is no rush when it comes to making a decision about your name. Take your time. If it’s helpful, talk through the pros and cons of keeping or changing your name with friends, family members, counselors, or therapists. Whoever you turn to for guidance and support could have some insight into what path may be the best for you.

Are you considering reverting to your maiden name but want to discuss elements of your divorce with an attorney first? There are legal experts available to help. To have your questions answered, connect with the seasoned family law attorneys at Donna Hung Law. Our attorneys will work hard to achieve your objectives and guide you through the family laws of Florida. To build the future you want, call 407-999-0099 or contact us online to schedule an initial evaluation.