Should You Change Your Last Name After Divorce?

Your divorce has been finalized. You’re done dealing with all the sticky subjects such as asset division, child custody and alimony. You’re just about ready to move on with your life, but as a woman, there’s one thing still on your mind: your last name.

You’re no longer married, so does it make sense to keep your married name? Should you revert to your maiden name? Is it possible to start fresh with a brand new last name?

When it comes to your last name, you have a couple options. However, a last name carries a lot of significance. If you’re a well-known working professional, it may be the name that most people know you by. If you have kids, you may want to have the same last name as theirs to avoid confusion. Here are some things to consider as you contemplate this change.

Keeping Your Last Name 

Many women opt to keep their last name when children are involved. It keeps things more consistent and children are less likely to be confused. Some women keep their last name for professional reasons as well. If your career is getting off the ground, you don’t want to have to start over with a different name, nor do you want people to confuse you for someone else. Some women like their married last name better than their childhood one. Maybe it makes them feel more grown up. Perhaps it just sounds better. Therefore, keeping your last name can be helpful.

Just keep in mind that you shouldn’t keep your last name simply because you still have feelings for your ex-husband. You need to move on and in some cases, keeping a last name can hold you back.

Changing Your Last Name

Changing your last name can be liberating, especially if the marriage was really bad. If you want to get rid of any evidence of the marriage, then a name change may be the better choice. But you don’t have to go back to your maiden name. You can change it to another family name, such as your mother’s or grandmother’s maiden name. Perhaps you want to honor someone in your family by taking their last name. You can also change it to something totally different. It can be a last name you like, the name of a favorite celebrity or even a made-up name. Your options are endless. 

Contact a Maryland Family Law Attorney Today

A last name may not seem so significant to some people, but for many, it carries a lot of weight. It can even define you as a person, so make the right decision as to whether or not you should keep it following a divorce.

The Columbia divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can give you solid advice about name changes and other post-divorce matters. We understand the processes involved should you want to change your name. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

forbes.com/sites/emmajohnson/2015/10/20/should-you-change-your-name-after-divorce/#51388592df6c

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/how-to-speed-up-the-divorce-process/

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