Changing name back to something other than full maiden name?

[greg503]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OR

When we married, my wife took my last name. During our marriage, my wife legally changed her first name, as she didn't like her given name. Now that we're in the process of getting divorced, she would like to go back to her original last name, but keep her current legal first name. Is this possible as part of the divorce paperwork, of will she need to go through a separate name change process? Does the court require you to go back to a full legal name that you previously used?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[mistoffolees]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OR

When we married, my wife took my last name. During our marriage, my wife legally changed her first name, as she didn't like her given name. Now that we're in the process of getting divorced, she would like to go back to her original last name, but keep her current legal first name. Is this possible as part of the divorce paperwork, of will she need to go through a separate name change process? Does the court require you to go back to a full legal name that you previously used?

Thanks,
Greg

Why does it concern you?

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OR

When we married, my wife took my last name. During our marriage, my wife legally changed her first name, as she didn't like her given name. Now that we're in the process of getting divorced, she would like to go back to her original last name, but keep her current legal first name. Is this possible as part of the divorce paperwork, of will she need to go through a separate name change process? Does the court require you to go back to a full legal name that you previously used?

Thanks,
Greg

Greg: This is contradictory:

During our marriage, my wife legally changed her first name, as she didn't like her given name.

I can't figure out your post. But let me try.

Your name is Greg Jones. You married Sally Smith. Her name is now Sally Jones. She changed her name legally to Jane Jones. Now you are getting divorced.

After the lawsuit, she wants to be known as Jane Smith.

If that is correct, then you can do it.

Make sure her lawyer puts that in the judgment in the lawsuit.

 

[greg503]

Greg: This is contradictory:

During our marriage, my wife legally changed her first name, as she didn't like her given name.

I can't figure out your post. But let me try.

Your name is Greg Jones. You married Sally Smith. Her name is now Sally Jones. She changed her name legally to Jane Jones. Now you are getting divorced.

After the lawsuit, she wants to be known as Jane Smith.

If that is correct, then you can do it.

Make sure her lawyer puts that in the judgment in the lawsuit.

Your assessment of the sequence of events is correct. Sorry for not including an example to illustrate more clearly.

We are filing for divorce ourselves in the form of a co-petitioner dissolution. The process is quite amicable, and we have a pretty simple set of assets, so we have not involved a lawyer. This is about the most complex issue that has come up.

We have been working from some standard forms that only reference "restoring" her name to a former name. Is it your opinion that her scenario would fit this, or should this be entered as separate additional provision?

Thanks again.

 

[seniorjudge]

I believe I would just explain it in plain and simple English like I used in the answer to you.

 

[greg503]

I believe I would just explain it in plain and simple English like I used in the answer to you.

Many thanks and Merry Christmas (or other acceptable substitute) to you.

 

[las365]

Just change the word "restore" to "change" in the decree.

In the style (the part the top of the first page of each document) she should list her name as "Jane Jones, f/k/a Sally Smith" (It means formerly known as, but it always looks a little curse-wordy to me). She could attach a copy of her name change Order as an exhibit, if she likes, or she could take it with her when y'all go to Court to get the Decree entered.

It's possible for one party to waive citation and sign the documents and not appear, but it is my opinion that both of you should go, just so that there is no question as to your agreements. If only one goes, it should be her, so she can answer any questions the judge has about her name.