Many people choose to change their name for various reasons – personal choice, marriage, or separation. It is important to remember that names are not legal property – you cannot be forced to keep or change your name, and you can choose to keep a surname taken 'in marriage' too.
With essentially no legal action you can take to force your ex to change her name, you are left with very few options. In the end, you may just be stuck with her decision to keep it, even if it really bothers you.
If you took your spouse's name, you may wish to reclaim your “maiden name,” after divorce, but your spouse cannot force you to do this. In fact, no one can force you to change your name.
There are various reasons why someone may wish to keep their former spouse's name or revert to their birth name. However, names are not legal property and no one can be forced to use or to stop using their ex-partner's name.
Regardless of how uncomfortable it makes you, your ex-wife may have legitimate reasons for keeping your last name. Depending on how long you were married, your name may be an integral part of your ex-wife's identity – especially if all her personal and financial records appear under your surname.
When a man has divorced, his ex can retain his last name if she wishes. Some do it because they think it may be to their advantage socially to be associated with the family. I have heard of others doing it because they didn't like their maiden name.
If she retains her former husband's last name (and many women do so that their surname will be the same as their children's) then Mrs. [or Ms.] Susan Reynolds is correct. If she reverts to her maiden name, Ms. is the correct title, as in "Ms.
If you never formally changed your name after marriage, there is no need to change your name after divorce. This is the case for many couples.
Court Filing Fees
The court filing fee for changing your last name varies from state to state but generally ranges between $150-$400. In some states, additional charges may be for certified copies of the court order granting permission to change your name.
When naming her child, a divorced woman has the same options as a married woman or a woman who was never married. If you are divorced from the child's father, you can give your child your ex-husband's last name or your own last name.
According to prevailing jurisprudence, “a married woman has the option, but not a duty, to use the surname of the husband.” Therefore, upon marriage, married women have the option to continuously use her maiden name or: Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband's surname; or.
Option 2: Hyphenate your name with your spouse's
Most popular in the 1970s, hyphenation allows you to keep your maiden name while still adding your spouse's. It also makes it easy for colleagues, clients, and friends to follow you and your work post-marriage.
There were some early cases in the United States that held that under common law, a woman was required to take her husband's name, but newer cases overturned that (see "Retain the birth name" below). Currently, American women do not have to change their names by law.
You cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as to avoid debts, you cannot change to a name that could affect the rights of another person, such as a celebrity, you cannot use a curse word, racial slur, obscene and/or an offensive word as part of your name and you cannot change to a name that would cause ...
If you are legally separated, your ex cannot demand entry to your home or the marital home. If this “domestic trespass” is a strong probability, it would be advisable to change your locks.
The fees to register a name change and apply for a change of name certificate: $185 Lodgement fee for Application for Registration of a Change of Name. This fee will be retained regardless of the outcome of your application. $53 Change a child's name within 12 months of birth (includes replacement birth certificate)
If married in Australia, you can take the surname of your husband, wife or partner or add their surname to yours, without registering a name change. You can use your official marriage certificate to prove your new name.
The cost for changing your name varies by state. In some states the fee is under $100, but other states may charge up to $500. Keep in mind that you may also have to pay a fee to a newspaper for publication in addition to the court filings. Check your state court website for filing fee details.
If you were married in Australia, you don't generally need to apply to change your name with us. The same applies if you choose to go back to your previous family name due to separation, divorce or personal choice.
Yes, you can get divorced and later remarry your ex. In fact, it's even more common than you might think. In some ways, second marriages to the same person can be more fruitful than first marriages.
If you need or want to change your name legally you can apply to the Department of Justice and, specifically, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You will need to complete an application form, provide the relevant supporting documents and pay the name change fee.
After a divorce, if a woman keeps her married name, you can either use "Mrs." or "Ms." to address the guest followed by her first name and married name. If she is using her maiden name, then use "Ms." along with her first name and maiden name.
A divorcé is a man who is divorced.
Until she marries again, or enters a commited relationship, you really can't call a divorcee anything else but single, which just means 'not married'. If a person is not yet divorced, but not living with their partner, the marriage is still valid, and the marital status is separated.