questions & answers

Question: I have been divorced for almost ten years and my ex-husband has been remarried since almost immediately after the divorce and his wife is not demanding I change my last name. I have two children with him and have had the name for twenty years. Can he legally make me change it and what are the costs and requirements in doing so as far as notifying the appropriate people

Answer: Changing your name is a relatively simple procedure that can usually be done without a lawyer. Just about anyone can change his or her name, for any good reason. The 3 most common reasons for a name change are:
•When a person wants to return to a prior name after a dissolution of marriage (divorce). This type of name change is typically done as part of the divorce, but it can also be done as a separate matter. If you change your name as part of the Dissolution of Marriage (divorce), you need to get a certified copy of the Decree from the Clerk of the Court. You will be able to change your name on your driver's license, social security card and bank account with this certified copy.
•When a parent wants to change a child's name to be the same as the parents.
•When a person simply may not like the name they have, and wants to establish a new identity.

A name change may not be allowed if the court thinks that the change might affect the rights of another person such as a creditor or the other parent of the child. It is important to recognize that after a name change, you are still the same person. You will still have all the same legal responsibilities and obligations; you will simply be known by a different name.

You may want to contact an attorney to see if your ex can "make" you change your last name.  if you decide to revert back to your maiden name, or change your last name, the Maricopa County Self Help center has forms and information on their website to assist you.  Go to:  https://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/Self-ServiceCenter/Forms/CivilCases/index.asp.  If you are outside Maricopa county, check with your superior court to see if they have forms and fee schedules.