Changing Your Name after a Divorce

Marriage very often results in a change of name: traditionally a wife takes a husband’s name, although sometimes both spouses keep their own names, and on occasion the reverse happens. What happens, then, if a couple gets a divorce? Some wives who took their husband’s name keep it until remarrying, while others go back to their unmarried name.

In California, it is often not necessary for a spouse to file separate change of name paperwork if the change of name happens during the divorce proceedings. Should a spouse choose not to change his or her name during a divorce, but later decides to, separate paperwork will need to be filed. This paperwork is the same as anyone changing his or her name for whatever reason, outside the context of a divorce.

Domestic partnerships can sometimes involve name changes as well. When those are dissolved, it becomes necessary for the partners to decide whether or not to change their names. Because domestic partnerships are quite new within California law, many of the details have yet to be worked out for dissolution of partnerships. Ending a partnership has its own unique legal forms and terms different from marriage. Nonetheless, the name change forms are the same as name changes outside divorce.

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Choosing what name to use after a divorce can depend on a number of personal factors. If you and your spouse or partner are considering a divorce, it is important to make a plan. Decisions regarding names should be a part of this plan, if relevant. The experienced Oceanside divorce lawyers of Fischer & Van Thiel, LLP can help you at every step of the divorce process. To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact us today at 760-722-7646