Been divorced for 15yrs.I kept married name but now would like to go back to maiden name. How do I do that?

Question

Reside in Jackson County Missouri

Answer 1

You may have to go to the courts and have it done legally.

Answer 2

Pain in the butt to change your name - been there, done that.

Returning to a maiden name (or any other name) is included in the divorce proceeding, if requested. However, it is not required that people change their names after divorce and a woman who changed her name for her husband's surname can continue to use it if she wants to.


Once your name is changed, you can't forget to tell certain people about it or you may be cornered by angry bill collectors eager to break your knee caps.

Good ones to start with are the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration, because once your new driver's license and social security card are in hand, changing the rest of your records will be easy. You should also send a copy of your court order to the Bureau of Records or Vital Statistics in the state you were born to either amend your birth certificate or get a new one.

Then move on to:


credit card agencies
Internal Revenue Service
utility companies
your employer
the post office
your mother
passport
bank
stocks/bonds/mutual funds
retirement plans
real estate
professional associations
the Registrar of Voters
car registration
house, car and life insurance
your will
other people's wills
your doctor
your lawyer
powers of attorney
trusts
contracts
frequent flyer programs
welfare office
veteran's administration
academic institutions (although those still paying back school loans may be tempted not to bother)
Some of these places (such as the Social Security Administration) will insist on seeing documentation. Others will not. Some will just need a phone call, while others will need to see you in person or get it in writing. Documentation helps with your transition between names, so the more documentation you get, the easier the subsequent changes will be.

When sending a letter, be sure to state clearly your new and old name and explain that you want them interchanged. Enclose a copy of your court order to prove you're for real.

Also, do not immediately throw away your old identification. It may be necessary to prove who you once were. Some IDs, like your passport, may carry an A.K.A. ("also known as"), so you're not completely free of your original name.

Answer 3

It is possible under Missouri law to adopt a new name simply by consistently using the new name. Missouri courts have consistently allowed women to change their names in dissolution proceedings to their maiden name or some other prior name.

Sounds like Ohio. Start with social security and get your card changed back. Probably all you'd need is divorce decree. Call. Then heard towards changing your license. Call the BMV and ask all what you should bring there. Once those two are done, things like credit cards and utilities are usually a phone call away. On the off chance they want ID...you'll have it!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Contact the clerk of the court in the county where you reside and see if they have a form available for you to petition the court to change your name. If not, you may have to hire an attorney.

Answer 5

Go to the county courthouse and apply for a name change at the Records counter. There will be a procedure but it won't take long....and there used to be a waited period for processing - not sure if that still applies now.

Answer 6

Go to your county courthouse and find out how to file for a legal name change.

Answer 7

Call your county courthouse. There should be a form to complete, and then send in. But they will be able to tell you what you need to do either way.

Answer 8

You need to go to the clerk of courts and fill out the paperwork to have it legally done...be prepared to pay a fee to have it done also

Answer 9

go to the social security administration. when I changed my name due to marriage, ss and a marriage license were the onlly proof needed. ss and your divorce decree should be all you need to do the opposite. then just use your new ss card to handle the rest.

Answer 10

talk to a lawyer. they can give you all the needed paperwork. don't wait untilit is "official." start using your maiden name now with friend and aquaintances.