Need Information RE: Surname Change

[melsmommy]

What is the name of your state? California

Hello,
I am in the process of getting a divorce in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. My exhusband and I were married in California....but filed for divorce up there in Canada. My divorce will be final by the end of March at the latest. After filing for divorce in Toronto, I moved back to California...which is where I'm residing now.

My question is this.....and it's two fold.

This is my 2nd marriage....and I have a child by my first husband. Can I legally go back to the name I had before I married this last time? The same name as my child? Even if it is my exhusband #1's name? Or....if I change my name....do I have to go back to my original maiden name?

If I can change my name back to my child last name.....what are the costs involved and the documents I would need to fill out.

If I have to go back to my original maiden name.....what are the costs involved and the documents I would need to fill out.

Thank you for your help....I'm not ready to make this leap yet....but I just want to find out my legal options and what would be involved.

Thank you,
Cindy

US law only

[melsmommy]

Originally Posted by seniorjudge

US law only

I know that this site is for US Law only...at least that's what I think you meant by your post.

I am IN the USA.....and if I file to change my surname....it will be in CALIFORNIA. That's why I'm asking what the laws are for the state of Calif.

Thank you.
Cindy

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally Posted by melsmommy

I know that this site is for US Law only...at least that's what I think you meant by your post.

I am IN the USA.....and if I file to change my surname....it will be in CALIFORNIA. That's why I'm asking what the laws are for the state of Calif.

Thank you.
Cindy

My response:

Then why did we have to endure reading about your divorce action in Canada, if this is all you meant?

Just file a Petition for Name Change. See California Code of Civil Procedure § 1275 et seq. (change of name procedures generally)

IAAL

Originally Posted by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE

My response:

Then why did we have to endure reading about your divorce action in Canada, if this is all you meant?

Just file a Petition for Name Change.

IAAL

Agreed.

When you go hire a lawyer in California for your name change, ask him about the other questions on changing a minor's name.

Also, do not double post...that's confusing.

[melsmommy]

I would like to thank everyone for their kind replies. I am not a legal expert....I apologize for the "double post"....I looked at the choices I had...and didn't know WHICH ONE to put it in.

I'm sorry that you all had to endure my saga about my divorce in Canada. The reason I put that info in there is because when I was researching the Calif. laws....it mentioned that if the divorce was finalized in in Calif. that it was a totally different procedure for a name change. I was hoping someone would happen to know if being divorced in another country but being a citizen of the USA would make the procedure different again or more difficult.

Once again...I do not have an expertise in legal law....and so I don't understand all the ins and outs of this. Hence, the posting here at this site. I had hoped that I'd get some good advice here....but apparently, you are expected to already know what to do.

Cindy

Cindy, as soon as I read:

"...Hello, I am in the process of getting a divorce in Toronto, Ontario, Canada..."

I stopped reading!

Good luck!