Many people assume you should change your name after divorce. However, it is not always that cut and dry. In some cases, it is mandatory, such as with a divorce decree name change order. If you do not have to go back to your maiden name, the choice is yours. Sometimes, people choose not to because of the long process involved. If you want to know how to change your name after divorce in Florida, a member of the legal team at Lewert Law, L.L.C. can help. There are many reasons to change your name after divorce, as well as reasons not to. If you are still on the fence, you will find for and against changing your name after divorce below.
Reasons to Change Your Name After Divorce
Have you ever wondered “Is it illegal to keep your married name after divorce?” The answer depends on your divorce decree. Your lawyer can guide you as you go through the divorce proceedings. While there are many reasons to keep your married name, the below are reasons why you may want to revert to your birth name.
A Fresh Start
Changing your name after divorce can offer a fresh start. For instance, people calling you by your married name on a daily basis may remind you of your married life and relationship. While there are certainly good memories, the pain of the breakup may be too fresh. A name change may enable you to mentally separate yourself from that pain and allow you to focus on moving forward mentally and spiritually. You get to take all the lessons you learned and move forward into a new chapter of your life.
The Breakup was Devastating
Sometimes, divorces can get messy. Several people who change back to their maiden name after divorce cite infidelity, abuse, and other traumatic experiences. Having your ex’s name attached to you after a breakup is not as enticing as it once was.
There is Potential for Future Remarriage
Keeping your married name after you divorce may complicate things if you want to remarry. For instance, changing back to your maiden name before your new marriage may require you to petition the court. If you are successful, you then have to go through the process of changing your last name to your new spouse’s name. That means changing your name on several accounts and government documents several times over. The process alone can be daunting.
You Like Your Maiden Name Better
Put simply, you may want to change your name after divorce because you like your maiden name better. Many women change their name only because “it’s what society expects,” or what their ex-husband wanted. Some women propose hyphenating their last name as a compromise.
Reasons to Not Change Your Name After Divorce
If the court does not make it mandatory for you to change your married name, you may want to keep it. Review the following for more information on keeping your married name after you divorce your ex-spouse.
For the Kids
The most common reason to maintain an ex’s last name after a divorce is your children. Many mothers want to share the same last name as their children, and cite this as a reason to keep their married name. While some only keep the name for a limited time, many keep the name indefinitely.
To Maintain Your Identity
You may not want to change your name after a divorce for several reasons pertaining to your identity. For example, your married last name may be how people know you through:
- Long-term friendships
- School functions
- Professional relationships
- Certification and degree programs
Depending on how long you have had it, changing your name after divorce might not be a priority at all. Especially if you no longer identify with your maiden name.
The Process and Cost
Aside from the above, a name change after divorce can be a complicated or expensive process. Just think about all the steps you took to change from your maiden name. Now consider the stipulations of your divorce. Unless there is a divorce decree name change order, you do not have to go through that process again.
Some people elect not to change back after divorce simply because they would have to change the name with too many institutions, including their profiles, accounts, statements and other documents.
Speak to a Divorce Lawyer Boca Raton
Consider your options and the long-term consequences of your choices. If you are still unsure, speak to an attorney who can help. Are you ending your marriage and in need of a divorce lawyer in Boca Raton who can inform you of your rights? Do you want to know how to change your last name after divorce? Call Lewert Law, L.L.C. at (561) 220-0123 for a consultation today.
