Can a husband DEMAND his name back during a divorce?

Question

My soon to be X husband asked in divorcefor his last name
and for me to go back to my maiden name, can they do this
I live in Missouri?

Answer 1

I sincerely doubt it, as it is EVERY American's legal right to carry whatever name they choose. You were legally issued your married name when you got married, and unless you willfully choose to revert to your maiden (or some other) name upon the finalization of the divorce, there's not much he can do.

It would be like you demanding that he wear only boxers (if he wears briefs for example) for the rest of his life till he marries again or something stupid like that. Your jackass soon-to-be ex-husband is being petty and childish.

Answer 2

Well, to most this would just seem like venting. And hey! you may even deserve to blow off a little steam. However, I think you want to know if you should stay friends or just try to let him fade away into oblivion. I can see that you believe (and rightly so) that once a guy cheats he will always cheat. Even using you as someone to cheat with. So what to do? You may have kids, but at this length of marriage they are probably grown and gone. So staying cordial for the kids is not necessary. Your last sentence shows your confusion though. "Don't want him, but still care for him" Listen, do this just for the time being. During the divorce, don't get buddy, buddy! Be professional. Keep him away from friendship till one month after the divorce. Once this time arrives you will be much more focused and can make your decisions with the wisdom you surely have.

Answer 3

No. And just the fact that out of this whole fiasco the sand in his craw is that you'll keep 'his' name.

Know what? Shame on you for marrying a man with a child's mentality. I honestly hope you choose wisely next time around.
This only shows who the immature one was in the relationship.

"Wants his name back". Christ...what next?

Answer 4

No- you can keep his last name of go back to your maiden name. It is your choice.
Now...you can use it as a bargaining tool if you want- say for example you want the bedroom furniture- tell him that you'll change your name if you get the bedroom furniture. Make a compromise for something that you want.

Answer 5

I'm not sure.

Why would you want to carry your ex's last name anyways? I would rather go back to my maiden name than keep a name that would constantly remind me of him.

Answer 6

I changed my last back asap ,not sure of the laws , but if you have kids you may wish to keep it for their sake .My son at the age of 13 decided he no longer wanted his fathers last name & on lawyer advice without legal change at that time was able to hyphinate both last names & is known by my last name.

Answer 7

That is nuts, he must be very angry and hurt. I do not think he can do that but I guess just wait and see what the outcome is and if it does turn out that way you will change your last name back to your maiden name.

Answer 8

No he can't do that. Sometimes a man can be so angry he doesn't even want his STBX to be associated though the last name. Kind of crazy but it happens.

Answer 9

Why do you want to keep his name?
2ndly though, are there children involved? If you have kids I would keep my married name for their sake. My mom did that for me and my brother. She didnt want us growing up not all having the same name. Now she is remarried but my brother and I are older so it doesnt matter to us so much anymore

Answer 10

He can ask for it (you can ask for anything you want), but the court will deny his request. No court will order you to change your name back to your maiden name. It's YOUR choice.