Many people that change their names upon getting married understandably want to change their names back after a divorce. This may not be practical if you have children but, in a divorce, or dissolution the wife can return to her maiden name or any other legal name she previously held.
How to change your name after divorce varies by jurisdiction, but in Ohio, the process is easy to request the divorce court judge to enter a formal order for a divorce name change. The request to return to your maiden or other legal name should be made inside the separation/divorce agreement.
Once the divorce is finalized, you can request the court to provide a certified amended or abridged version of your settlement. This document will serve as proof of the name change or restoration.
This document can then be used to officially get your name changed on your identification cards, bank accounts, credit card accounts, magazine subscriptions and anything else that you want to show your changed name (see The Name Change Checklist below).
It is important to remember that it is your responsibility to put in the time and effort to request the name change with the Social Security Administration, banks, credit card companies, the cable company, etc. The court will not do this for you.
When to Request a Divorce Name Change?
The timing of when to request a name change is important. If your divorce papers do not show a request for a name change, you can still change your name after a divorce. The process, however, will take longer and require more work since you’ll have to go through the probate process.
However, you can’t select a new name or create a new identity through a divorce. If you want to change your name to something completely new (one that you have not legally held before) you must go through the probate process.
How to Change Your Name After Divorce Checklist
Following a name change, you’ll need to update all your identification and personal records. Here is a list of documents and places you’ll need to update:
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license, car title, and registration
- Passports
- TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry applications
- Property titles
- Post Office and PO Box
- Checking accounts (including checks and ATM card)
- Savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts
- Credit cards
- Retirement accounts and 401K
- Investment accounts and IRAs
- Mortgages and loans
- Voter registration
- Employer (email address, work plate, business cards, websites)
- Deeds & trusts
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Car insurance
- Homeowners insurance
- Renter’s insurance
- Will & other legal contracts
- Medical and dental records
- Utility companies
- Club memberships
- Airline, hotel, etc. reward memberships
- Personal email addresses and social media accounts
The Manning & Clair Difference
Manning & Clair Attorneys At Law have extensive experience handling divorce, dissolution and family law cases. Put our knowledge and compassion to work for you.
Manning & Clair Note: The information shared here is intended for a general overview and discussion of the subject. It is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for taking legal advice in any specific situation. Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation.
