Name Change

When in the process of separating from your spouse, you can change your name, but you are limited to a previous name. Your new (old) name should be in your Final Judgment. If you want to change your name as your divorce comes to an end, Untying the Knot can help.

What Name Change Documents Do You Need to Have?

When you apply for a name change, there are several documents you need to have ready.

• A certified copy of the divorce decree with the name change order
• Current identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Copy of Social Security card
• Birth certificate

The local clerk’s office needs to be able to match your new name to public records. If you weren’t forced to update these documents with your new name, it would be incredibly difficult to identify yourself when you travel or do your taxes, for instance. All of these divorce documents work together to help you prove your identity. If they are all inaccurate, it can be difficult to update them later.

General Steps to Change Your Name During Divorce

Changing your name is not a short process, but doing it online with Untying the Knot’s legal services can significantly reduce the time it takes. The steps needed to change your name include the following:

1. Include a Name Change Request in Your Divorce Decree

When filing for divorce, you should request a name change as part of the divorce proceedings. This is often the simplest way to change your name because it consolidates the processes. The sooner you start, the sooner your name will change.

You get the forms and help you need with our online legal service.

2. Finalize Your Divorce

Your request will be processed as part of the divorce judgment. Make sure that your final divorce decree includes your name-change provision. This tells the court your intention to legally return to your maiden name or a previously used surname once the separation is finalized.

3. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Divorce Decree

We can supply you with an online copy of your divorce decree so you can make multiple copies as needed. However, we cannot certify them for you; you must have them certified with the court clerk. You will need these for various agencies to process your name change. We can help you move this process along and get the copies you need to be certified to your local court clerk.

4. Your Name with Social Security Administration

Visit the Social Security Administration‘s website or your local SSA office to fill out the necessary form to update your Social Security card. To change your name on your Social Security card, you will need a certified copy of your divorce decree, as well as a copy of your identification.

It’s important to update your Social Security card before your identification. Your identification proves to the SSA what your original name was and what’s being changed, while the divorce decree shows what you’re changing your name to.

5. Update Your Driver’s License or State ID

With your new Social Security card and certified divorce decree, visit your local DMV office to get a new driver’s license or state ID.

6. Update Other Records

Once you have updated your Social Security information and driver’s license, you’re almost done. You should also update your name with other institutions and agencies, such as:

• Banks and financial institutions
• Employers and payroll
• Passport office
• Insurance companies
• Utility companies
• Voter registration office
• Professional licensing boards

Forgetting to inform any of these can lead to issues such as wage discrepancies, tax issues, and not being able to vote.

See Our Online Divorce Services for the Legal Help You Need or Contact Our Attorneys for Support

If you have questions regarding this issue or any other issue, please click here to schedule an appointment with our attorney.