Changing Your Name After Divorce
Changing your name after a divorce is a very personal decision and a complicated process, which tends to raise a large number of questions. Before you begin your name-change, it may be beneficial for you to read through our most frequently asked questions below. Please make sure to think about your decision and make sure it is best for you and your situation.
Can I use your service prior to my divorce?
You can complete your forms using GetYourNameBack.com before your divorce, but you will need certified copies of your divorce decree before you can file your name-change forms.
Do I have to change my name after the divorce?
There are no requirements for you to change your name after your divorce. Resuming your former name marks a return to your former self, and for many women, it represents a positive step towards their new life.
How do I make sure I can change my name after the divorce?
Be sure to request that the judge presiding over your divorce makes a formal order restoring your former or birth name. If your divorce decree contains a name-change order it will serve as legal proof of your intended name change when you file your state and government forms.
What if my divorce decree does NOT have an order that restores my name?
You should be able to modify your divorce decree to include a name-change order. It is easiest to contact the court clerk that issued your divorce decree to request a modification.
After my divorce is finalized, can I change my children’s last names to my maiden name?
Historically, courts ruled that a father had an automatic right to have his child or children keep his last name if he continued to actively perform his parental role. Now a child’s name can be changed through a court petition if it is clearly in the best interest of the child. GetYourNameBack.com only works for divorcees. We are unable to change the names of minors.
How much time will I save if I use GetYourNameBack.com vs. changing my name on my own?
We compared the amount of time it took to locate all of the U.S. government and state forms, manually complete them, and call each office to request filing fees and required documents versus how long it took to complete the same process using GetYourNameBack.com. The result? Using GetYourNameBack.com saved approximately 13 hours!
Is my personal information safe?
GetYourNameBack.com is committed to safeguarding your personal information! Only our customers using their individual passwords can access their accounts. Our security is tested daily and approved by HackerSafe. We also have VeriSign technology to use secure socket layer technology to encrypt your data before it leaves your browser. Finally, none of our questions are required. Finally, none of our questions are required. You can skip any personal information questions that make you uncomfortable and write them in before you file your forms.
How do I know when I’ve gotten my name back?
Once you print your name-change forms/notification letters, sign them, and file them according to their printed instruction sheet your name-change is almost complete. You will know that your name is legally changed when you receive your new Social Security card, Driver’s license, and U.S. passport with your new name on them!
What if I have questions or need some help?
The GetYourNameBack.com staff is here to help you! Please call or email us anytime with your questions or comments. You can also use our live-chat feature to directly correspond with a customer care representative. We feel that customer service truly counts, so we look forward to helping you. Our contact information is: 1-800-301-9296 or support@GetYourNameBack.com
