Your Last Name: Finding Your Identity After Divorce

After a divorce, many women go through an identity crisis. A lot of it has to do with their emotions as they struggle to figure out how to survive as a single person after being married for so long. For many women, though, their biggest struggle is what to do with their last name.

And it’s not a trivial matter. Choosing a last name is a big deal. It’s how people identify you. And for many women, their last name is tied to their career and relationships.

So should you keep your married name or change it back to your maiden name? Are you going to keep things the same simply because it’s easier, or are you going to craft a new identity after your divorce? Here are some things to consider.

How Your Sense of Identity is Tied to Your Last Name

How long have you had your married name? If it’s been most of your adult life, then you likely have a strong attachment to it. Your personal and professional reputation may be tied to your married name, so it may make sense to keep it.

Your Feelings About Your Marriage

Obviously, your marriage wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows or else you wouldn’t be getting divorced. However, if simply mentioning your marital last name evokes feelings of disgust or causes you to get emotional, then it may be a good idea to change it.

Having a Different Last Name From Your Kids

It can be tricky to have a last name that’s different from your kids’. Depending on the age of your children, they may not care or they may be confused by it. It may be a good idea to ask their feelings about it. Keeping it could make you feel more connected to them.

Do You Want to Go Through the Hassle?

If you change your last name in the divorce decree, it makes things a lot easier. However, while the court may recognize your new last name, you’ll still have to update your driver’s license. Social Security card, bank accounts, credit cards, passports, mortgages, wills, and other legal documents. This can be time-consuming.

Will You Get Remarried?

If you think there’s a possibility that you could get remarried in the near future, then does changing your last name matter now? Would it make sense to just keep your married name for now and change it later?

Contact a Maryland Family Law Attorney Today

Your last name is a core part of your identity. Do you want to keep it? Should you change it back to your maiden name? As a woman, you have a decision to make during the divorce process.

If you want to change your last name after a divorce, The Columbia divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help. We understand the processes involved and can help you make the right decisions. Schedule a consultation today by calling (410) 774-5987 or filling out the online form. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

forbes.com/sites/heatherlocus/2020/12/22/the-smart-path-to-crafting-your-new-identity-after-divorce/?sh=d301e467f81f