Can I hyphenate my last name after divorce?

Hyphenating your last name is considered a legal name change – meaning you can't drop your spouse's name or the hyphen in the future without having to go through a court-ordered name change. There a lot of great reasons to hyphenate your last name – but also a few things to consider.

Can I use both maiden and married name after divorce?

Can I keep my married last name after I'm divorced? Yes, it's technically your legal last name so it's totally up to you whether you keep it or drop it for your maiden or birth name.

Why do ex wives keep their ex husband's last name?

Many women choose to hold onto their married name after a divorce because of their children. Sharing the same last name can make women feel more connected to their children. It can also provide a sense of stability for younger children who will not understand why their mother has a different last name.

Should a divorced woman change her last name?

Name changes can be used as leverage in divorce negotiations. Even if you don't feel strongly about changing your last name, your ex might. This can be used as a point of negotiation during divorce proceedings. If you do plan to change your name, it's important to include a name change order in your divorce decree.

Can my ex wife use my last name after divorce?

When a couple gets divorced, each spouse has the right to keep his or her married name. No spouse can force the other to change back to his or her previous name, and there is little anyone can do to prevent an ex-spouse from continuing to use the married name after divorce.

Should I Change My Name After Divorce? | Porchlight Legal

Can I sue my ex wife for keeping my last name?

Unless she is pretending to be someone she is not or that is not a legal name for her you cannot sue her. The court order grants her the right to change her name but it is not official until she does it officially with the state.

Can you make your ex wife change her last name back?

“Can I make my ex-wife change her name back after divorce?” Legally? No, not really. Since there is no real legal action you can take to force your ex to change her name, you're left with minimal options. You may just have to accept her decision to keep it, even if it drives you crazy.

Why won't my ex wife change her last name?

It may be hard for you to see it, but most ex-wives don't keep their ex-husband's last name simply to be a source of constant irritation. Continuity with children — One of the most common reasons an ex may keep your last name is to keep her name the same as any children.

Should I keep my ex husband last name?

What's good ex-etiquette? A After a divorce a woman is free to keep her ex-husband's last name, go back to her maiden name or choose a completely new name. Although name changes are controlled by state law, most states allow individuals to change their name pretty easily.

Can I hyphenate my last name without legally changing it?

Can I hyphenate my last name without legally changing it? Not really. You can use a hyphenated last name in informal social settings (on social media, amongst friends, etc.) but you will need to use your legal name everywhere else (at work, on your personal accounts, when signing your name, etc.)

Can a woman take back her first husbands name after divorce a second husband?

In California, you can file an “Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name” to request a name change after your divorce has been finalized, in order resume using your maiden name or another former name.

Can I go back to my maiden name?

The short answer is yes, you can. Many women no longer want to be known by their former husband's name after their divorce. You are not required by law to change your name back to your maiden name, but the opportunity is there for you to do so if you wish.

Can a woman go back to her maiden name?

You can return your married name for your maiden name (or any prior name held). Or exchange it for another new name. You can use your marriage certificate to get back your maiden name on your social security card. You don't need to get divorced or petition the court.

When you get divorced are you still a Mrs?

On separation

Changing your surname doesn't affect divorce proceedings or your eligibility to be divorced. You can use any title you wish. You might like to be called "Mrs." even after divorce, or you may prefer "Ms" or "Miss".

How do I change my name after divorce?

Changing your name after divorce

All you need to revert your ID and bank accounts back to your maiden name after you divorce is your decree absolute and your marriage certificate. Alternatively, you can change your name by deed poll and present this document instead.

What to call a woman who is divorced?

After a divorce, a woman might keep her married name. If this is the case, then you can either use "Mrs." or "Ms." to address the guest and use her first name. If she is using her maiden name, then use "Ms." along with her first name and maiden name. Again, it's best to find out what she prefers to go by.

Can I use my maiden name and married name?

You are able to use two names if you want

You're legally allowed to keep your maiden (or current) name for work or professional reasons, and use your new married name socially or for family-related purposes. Even if you've changed your name by deed poll you're perfectly entitled to use a different one at work.

What are the benefits of changing your name after marriage?

Can I still use my passport with my maiden name?

Can you keep your maiden name on your passport? You can remain with your previous passport, which has your maiden name on it. However, if you decide to renew your passport, it will be issued with your current legal name.

How do I change my surname back to my maiden name?

The good news is that if you are simply reverting to your maiden name after a divorce, then many institutions will accept a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, decree absolute and a signed declaration that you are reverting your maiden name for all purposes.

Can I change my name 10 years after divorce?

You can change your name at any time after your divorce has been finalized. That said, the longer you wait, the more documentation you'll be required to provide when you change your name on your certain identification documents.

When you divorce what happens to your name?

Traditionally, when couples get married, one person (usually the wife) will change their surname to the same as the other (usually the husband's). It is then usually the case that any children born following the marriage will also have the same surname.

Can you have a hyphen on your Social Security card?

A. Acceptable characters

In the first name, spaces, apostrophes and hyphens are removed.

Can I use one last name if I have two?

Every state has its own rules on what you can and can't do regarding name changes after marriage. In most states, you have the option to take your spouse's last name, hyphenate your last names, use two last names without a hyphen, or move your maiden name to your middle name and take your spouse's last name.

Can I legally have two last names without a hyphen?

Answer: As long as you can submit an original or certified copy of the marriage certificate documenting the use of two last names without the hyphen, then you can have them both on your passport.