How hard is it to change my last name back to my maiden name?

Question

Just wondering how hard the process is to change my last name back to my maiden name...do i need an attorney or something? I live in Michigan. Thanks

Answer 1

It is more a pain in the butt than it is difficult. First you have to go to the Social Security office with your divorce decree that shows why you are going to the other name. They will give you a receipt that shows you have applied to change back. Then you go to the DMV or MVD (whatever they call it in your state) and show them the decree and the paper work from Social Security and they will give you a new license, for a fee, with your new name. Then you need to send a copy of the license and the decree to your mortgage company, if applicable, to change it on your payments. You will need to contact your credit card companies, go to your bank and have your card changed, your account changed and new checks ordered. Just need to contact any debtors and get it all changed with them and they will let you know if they need anything. And don't forget your utility companies! Phone, water, gas, electric, cell phone, cable.
See, more a pain and takes some time than difficult?!

Answer 2

When I was married I never changed my name on my Social Security card. As a result, I started having problems after I divorced when filing my taxes (couldn't prove I was legally married to explain different names any more). So, I basically had no choice but to go back to my maiden name. My name has been different than my daughters' for 9 years now. We've never had a problem with it, and the girls haven't been traumatized. Occasionally people (mainly other kids or teachers) will assume that my name is the same as theirs and refer to me as Ms. A instead of Ms. B, but That's really not been a big deal for me. I don't think it makes a big difference, but it's ultimately up to you. Edit - I've never had a problem with credit. My credit rating has actually gone up in the 10 years I've been divorced. A name change doesn't impact that at all.

Answer 3

Well if you are going through a divorce, then just includeit in the divorce agreement. If you have been divorced and it has been more than a year you can change it on your own. You just need to have someone send you something in the mail with your current name on it and then go change everything. The only thing you do not need this for is you Social Security card, they will obviously know that you were you before marrage. I would suggest you do that first.

Answer 4

Are you divorced yet? If not that might be something you can do right there. I think it doesn't have to cost to change your name you'd have to go to the registers office I don't think it should be costly or difficult too do either.
You would want to do this with your drivers license and s.s. number.
I think you might have to take out a bulletin to be posted in the paper to let others know...
I know I kept my married last name I didn't like the idea of having children with me and having a different last name to confusing for them ...jmo...I wanted to keep life simple here.
Hugs,
Laura

p.s. here is the site hope it helps:
http://www.ssa.gov/gethelp1.htm

also this is interesting too if You've been married ten years or more to...:
If you are divorced after at least 10 years of marriage, you can collect retirement benefits on your former spouse's Social Security record if you are at least age 62 and if your former spouse is entitled to or receiving benefits. If you remarry, you generally cannot collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ends (whether by death, divorce, or annulment).

Answer 5

When you get a divorce ask your atty. to put in the divorce to restore your maiden name. If you didn't do that then you will have to go through to court to get you maiden name back. You can get a cheap atty. to do this for you , I got mine back when I divorced, because I had a lot of things in my name that he couldn't get or really didn't know about. I just like my maiden name better than I did my married name, also.

Answer 6

Yes you can change your name back to your maiden name. If you have divorce papers, put in them that you request that your name be restored to you maiden name. Now if you have children the judge signing off on the divorce papers may not let you.

Answer 7

Just go to the DMV to get a change of name. Bring all paperwork that says you are no longer married. That should do it. Then, just go everywhere else, to the bank and call the credit card companies to tell them about your situation. I'm sure they'll just change it then & there or they'll send you paperwork to fill out. I don't think you need a lawyer.

P.S. The person that said to marry your brother is an idiot.

Answer 8

If you are getting a divorce the judge will ask if you want you maiden name back. At least in Missouri.

Answer 9

I did it when my divorce occured so not sure how difficult it is if you're not already going through some legal status change.

I wouldn't think it would be much of an issue though. What's worse is notifying the world that your last name is now (bank, social security, employer, credit cards, loans, ad infinitum)

Answer 10

Its not that hard. Just start with social security, then do your driver's license and bank accounts. It takes a few weeks. My friend that went through a divorce did it. It makes her life easier since she feels that she went back to her earlier identity.