Q: Changing my name after divorce without it being on the divorce decree. How much of a headache?
My husband and I recently got divorced after being separated for 15 years. He did the paperwork without me and did not include me changing my name back in the decree. So as it stands, it seems I have to go to court to get my name changed back. I have a two-part question: 1. How much of a hassle is this? 2. Would it be possible to change my name back to my birth name, if that is not what is on my birth certificate? My parents married when I was 5 and changed my last name legally. I would prefer to go back to my birth name, rather than what is on my birth certificate if it is possible. It has been difficult to find information on this because of the unique situation.
A: It's a hassle, but definitely doable. On the name-change forms, much of it just asks what you're wanting it changed to. They often won't question the name choice.
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