Legal Name Changes in Connection with Divorce

After an absolute divorce has been granted, a woman may legally change her name to any of the following:

1. Her maiden name;
2. The surname of a prior deceased husband; or
3. The surname of a prior living husband if she has children who have that husband’s surname.

A man who took a different surname upon his marriage may resume his premarriage surname following a divorce judgment.  A man or a woman seeking to legally change his or her name in connection with a divorce must submit an application to the clerk of court of the county in which he or she resides or where the divorce was granted.  In some counties, the request must be included in your divorce complaint and divorce judgment, so be sure to the check the requirements in the particular county in which you are filing.