Can I keep my ex husband's 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.

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.

Can ex wife keep my last name?

So Can You Make Your Ex-wife Use Her Maiden Name? With divorce, just as no law compelled her to take your surname, no law compels her to give it up. She legally became Ms. or Mrs. You, and she, can choose to keep that surname or change it.

Does an ex wife have to change her last name?

No matter your reason for wanting the change, there is no legal obligation that requires her changing last name after divorce. Since you lack any legal means to force her into changing her surname after divorce, you're best off trying to move on.

Can you sue your ex for keeping your 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.

Steve Harvey - Should a wife take her husband's last name?

Can a woman take back her first husband's 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 still use my married name after divorce?

Keeping Your Name

Your husband cannot request your drop his name, regardless of the reason. It is your legal right to keep your married name, even after your husband has moved on. So if you are asking, “Can I keep my married name when divorced;” yes, you can!

Can I use my maiden name if separated?

A separated woman has the right to change her surname at any time. Therefore, if you are separated and do not wish to be known by your husband's surname, you can revert to your maiden name (or to a new name entirely) by Deed Poll.

Can I hyphenate my last name after divorce?

A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. It's your choice which name comes first. 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.

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.

Do you have to change your name when you get divorced?

Do I Have to Revert to My Maiden Name after Divorce? It's up to you whether or not you want to keep your married name or go back to using your maiden name after divorce. If you do wish to keep your married name, then you can simply keep using it.

Can you legally have two last names without a hyphen?

The use of double surnames is legal but not customary. Children traditionally take on their father's surname (or, more recently, optionally their mother's).

How does hyphenating last names work?

A hyphenated last name is when you and your spouse combine both of your last names with a hyphen. This is also called a double surname. In many states, when you fill out your application for your marriage license, you'll be writing your intended married name on that application.

Can I hyphenate my last name on my Social Security card?

A. Acceptable characters

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

Can a widow revert to her maiden name?

If a woman is widowed then she can keep her married name or if she wishes she can revert back to her maiden name. If she wants to revert back to her maiden name then she can use her husband's death certificate and her marriage certificate as documentary evidence to change her married name back to maiden name.

Can I remove spouse name from passport without divorce?

Re-married applicants applying for change of name/spouse's name in passport. Except the details provided by the applicant (of any category mentioned above) in the application form, no proof of marriage /dissolution of marriage (court's order for judicial separation/decree of divorce) etc. is required.”

Can an ex wife claim after divorce?

Generally, a former spouse is entitled to claim against your money or assets at any point up until they re-marry unless a financial consent order has been approved by the court. Many separating couples are under the impression that getting divorced breaks all financial ties.

What title does a divorced woman use?

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 revert back to my maiden name?

If your married name was exactly the same as your husband's name, changing your name to your maiden name is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure which can be done by using your marriage certificate and your decree absolute to make the change official.

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.

Which last name goes first when Hyphenating?

Generally, there are no set rules or etiquette when it comes to deciding exactly how your hyphenated last name will read. You can go the "traditional" route and list your "maiden" name first, or you could choose to list your new last name first, followed by your original last name.

Can I use both maiden and married name?

In many cases, when a woman is engaged to a man, people start asking: “So, are you changing your name?” And while taking your husband's name is traditional, it's not the only option! You can keep your maiden name, hyphenate or come up with a new name that combines both of your last names.

Can you combine two last names?

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 use two names legally?

1 attorney answer

You have one legal name. You can petition the court to change it. Depending on the circumstances using a different name can render you civilly or criminally liable for all sorts of things...

Why would a man have a hyphenated last name?

People in Britain during the 15th century began hyphenating their last names in order to commemorate the combining of their family fortunes. Also, when there were no male heirs, the bride's name could be taken on by the husband.