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Name Changes Following a New Haven Divorce

Name changes following a New Haven divorce are an important decision, and an experienced divorce attorney can help you expedite the process. If you would like to return to your maiden name or a previous name following a divorce, the easiest path forward is to change it in your divorce decree.

If you miss this opportunity, you will need to initiate another filing, and addressing your name change through separate channels, such as the Social Security Administration and the DMV, will be more complicated. An experienced divorce attorney at Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, is here to effectively handle the matter on your behalf.

What to Know About Marriage and Your Name

In a traditional marriage, a woman adopts her husband’s surname upon marrying and can return to her maiden name upon divorce. Over the years, the process has evolved in many different directions. Some couples choose the traditional approach, some keep their own surnames, some create entirely new ones, and some husbands take their wives’ names instead.

If you want to change your name after a divorce, a knowledgeable New Haven lawyer can simplify the process. If your divorce is pending or just starting, we can ensure this is addressed in your official divorce decree.

Changing Your Name in a Divorce

During a divorce in New Haven, you can request the restoration of your maiden name or a former name in your decree, which simplifies the process considerably. Your signed decree is legal proof of the change. The process of reverting your married name to a former one involves requesting a name change in your divorce papers, whether you file the complaint or the cross-complaint, and the presiding judge will include your restored name in your final divorce decree.

When your divorce decree is finalized, it will allow you to use a certified copy to update your official records, including your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and other important documents.

What if You Did Not Change Your Name in Your Divorce Decree?

If you did not change your name in your divorce decree but want to return to a former name, you can still do so. In Connecticut, the process involves filing with your local probate court.

When you file to change your name after a divorce in New Haven, you must include a certified copy of your birth certificate with a copy of your decree. Once you receive the court order, you can use it to update your records. Reverting to a former name is significantly less challenging than adopting an entirely new name.

Contact a New Haven Divorce Lawyer to Discuss Your Name Change

It is best to address name changes following a New Haven divorce immediately. At Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, our trusted divorce attorneys have extensive experience helping valued clients successfully navigate name change concerns. Our dedicated legal team is on your side and here to help. For more information about what we can do for you, contact us online or call our firm today.

Connecticut Family Lawyer | CT Family Law | Dolan Family Attorneys N/a
101 Whitney Ave New Haven CT 06510 (203) 720-6874