Change Your Last Name After Divorce?
March 7, 2015
While going through a divorce, women who have changed their last names must decide what to do about their names when the divorce becomes finalized. The decision of whether to change your last name is a deeply personal one, and there is no single right answer. Should you decide to go through with a name change, it can be requested as part of the divorce in Florida. Your Sarasota Divorce Attorneys at Jodat Law Group have many years of experience and are ready to help you.
Reasons To Keep Your Name
Given that you have a built a life and perhaps raised a family with your ex-spouse, there may be good reasons to keep your married name. For one thing, if you do have children, keeping your married name allows you and your children to have the same family name.
Schools, camps, and doctors may be surprised by the fact that you have a different last name from your children if you change it. Many women find that it’s simply easier to have the same last name as their children.
Also, if you were married for many years, you may have built up a professional reputation under your married name. If you want to make sure that your professional contacts don’t lose track of you, or if you’ve built up a brand based on your name, you might benefit from keeping it. Finally, keeping your married name means avoiding the hassle of getting a new driver’s license, social security card, and any other official documentation.
Reasons to Change
On the other side of the coin, for many women, the benefits of restoring their maiden names far outweigh the negatives. Perhaps the greatest benefit is personal. Going back to your maiden name can help you make a fresh start after the divorce, and help you to reclaim your individual identity.
Divorce may have left a bitter taste in your mouth, and many choose to shed this reminder of an unhappy marriage. You can even change your name to something other than your maiden or married name. If you want to change your name, the easiest way to do it is as part of your divorce proceedings. If you need more time to reflect, you can wait until later, but you will need to file a separate name-change petition.
How Experienced Sarasota Divorce Attorneys Can Help
Every person’s circumstances in divorce are unique, and no one can make you choose one way or the other. However, a good attorney can help guide you through the process, regardless of what you decide is best for you and your family. At the Jodat Law Group, our attorneys are experienced in handling these sensitive personal matters. Contact your Sarasota Divorce Attorneys for a free consultation. We can inform you of the legal implications of your choice and how to get an official name change, and we can also help in the transition to your new life.