In our society, name equals identity. One of the most important, but often overlooked, decisions that women have to make after a divorce is whether to change their name or keep their ex-husband's last name.
Ultimately, it is your decision to make, but an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the process while assisting you in resolving other divorce-related issues. At de Beer & Associates, we can help you efficiently change your name if that is what you wish to do and make sure other issues are resolved in your best interest.
Changing Your Last Name After Divorce
If you have decided to revert to your maiden name after divorce, the easiest way to accomplish that is to have the name change included in your divorce judgment. If you would rather choose a new last name than reverting to your maiden name, this can also be noted by the court in your divorce documents.
If your request is approved, the judge will include your name change in the divorce order, which will allow you to proceed with having your name changed on your:
- Driver's license
- Social Security card
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Titles and deeds
If you do not include a name change as part of your divorce order, you will need to file a name change petition with the court after your divorce.
After your divorce has been granted, the next step in executing your name change is bringing the approved petition to the Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can receive a new Social Security card. Once you have the updated card, it can be used to facilitate your name change with other agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
We Are Here To Help
Changing your name can be a complex process, but it is an important part of moving on with your life after your divorce. Our lawyers can make sure you understand the steps and assist you in making sure your name change is handled properly.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We represent women in the Twin Cities metro area, including St. Paul and Woodbury.