What Can I Do To Change My Name Back After A Divorce?
What Can I Do To Change My Name Back After A Divorce?
If you changed your name when you were married and you later decide to change back to your maiden name (prior name) after a divorce, it can be a frustrating process. However, many people find that reclaiming their birth names is very helpful and can help them feel more grounded in their lives.
Legal Name
In general, a legal name is the name that identifies an individual in formal and official settings. In many instances, a person does not have a legal name until after they have reached a certain age (typically eighteen years or older in most countries). It is possible to change your legal name as part of divorce proceedings in some jurisdictions. In these cases, you do not need your spouse’s consent. However, you do have to follow the rules for changing your legal name as outlined in your state’s laws and procedures. This includes completing the required paperwork and submitting a court order to change your legal name. For instance, if you wish to change your name back to your maiden name after a divorce, you must first file an application for restoration of a former name in your local probate court. You will need to submit some forms and pay a filing fee. A judge will then review your petition and decide if your request is appropriate.
Driver’s License
Whether you want to change your name back or adopt your spouse’s last name, it’s important to get your name changed on all of your identity documents. This includes your driver’s license and Social Security card. You can do this by filing papers with the court to ask for an order stating your new legal name. This order is used to change your name on your driver’s license, passport, social security card and other official documents. For this process, you’ll need an original or certified divorce decree, marriage certificate or other legal verification of a name change signed by a judge. You should have multiple copies of these documents on hand as they can be used to verify your name at the DMV and the Social Security Office. Once you have your new name on all of your legal documents, you can go to a local driver’s license bureau to apply for a new driver’s license or identification card. Typically, this process takes about ten days.
Social Security Number
Your Social Security number is your permanent nine-digit identification number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This identification is used for taxing income and providing retirement, medical, and disability benefits. Under certain circumstances, SSA may allow you to change your social security number. In those cases, you need to complete an application and follow the procedures. In order to change your name on your SSN, you must first request a new Social Security card with your new name and address. This process is quick and easy, and it usually takes about two weeks for SSA to issue you a new card. If you decide to change your SSN, be sure to protect your number from criminals and identity thieves. You can do this by not giving your SSN to businesses that ask for it or by using a credit and identity monitoring service. You can also freeze your SSN, which will prevent anyone from accessing it online or by phone (until you lift the block).
Passport
If your name has changed due to divorce, marriage, or another legal reason, you may need to change your passport. And if you are going to travel internationally, it is mandatory for you to update your passport. Moreover, federal REAL ID regulations require that the name on your passport and any other official documents such as a driver’s license or social security card match. For this purpose, you can use Form DS-82. You will also need to submit a new passport photo if the old one is over six months old. There are special tools available online to help you take your new passport photo at home.
Categorized in: Family Law, Legal Questions