What to Know About Reverting to Your Maiden Name After a Divorce

Divorce is a massive change. Not only does it dissolve a marriage, but it also changes much of the life, roles, and identities that accompanied it. For people who took their spouse’s name when they married, divorce may leave them wanting to revert back to their own family name or reclaim their identity independent of the marriage. Of course, not everyone chooses to change their name following a divorce. For some with minor children, keeping their married name may be easier. Others may have built a career on their married name and do not want to change it. However, what feels right is different for everyone. If you are considering reverting to your maiden or pre-marriage name, the good news is that the process is fairly simple and straightforward. 

Changing Your Name During a Florida Divorce 

The easiest time to change your name back to your pre-marriage name is during your divorce. If you have not started the divorce proceedings yet, or if you are currently undergoing them, simply let your lawyer know as soon as possible that you would like to change your name back to your maiden name. Your lawyer must make a request to the court that your maiden name be restored and must use your complete maiden name (first, middle, last) when filing the divorce papers. It is important to note that this only works to change your name back to your maiden name. You cannot change your name to a new name or to any name other than your maiden or pre-marriage name. At the time of the final hearing, you will be asked to spell your maiden name clearly and correctly so that it can be included in the final divorce decree. The name change must be included in the final divorce decree in order to effect a name change. 

What if I am Already Divorced? 

If you have already completed your divorce and did not request a name change during the proceedings, not to worry. There is no limit on the amount of time that you have to change your name in Florida, regardless of whether the name change is due to a divorce. However, if you have already concluded your divorce proceedings the process will be different. In this instance, you can simply file a petition to change your name like any adult wanting to make a legal name change would. 

What to do After Your Florida Name Change 

After your name change has been granted by the divorce court there are still a number of steps that you must take. First, you must update your name on your Florida driver’s license and voter registration card. You must also update your name on your social security card and your U.S. passport. It is also important to contact all major credit agencies and ensure that your name is up to date there. 

Talk to a Florida Family Law Attorney 

If you are interested in pursuing a divorce or reclaiming your name and identity, the experienced and compassionate family law attorneys at Miami’s SG Firm are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.