Jacksonville, FL asked in Family Law for Florida

Q: Do i have to file a petition to restore former name?

My whole life my first name had an E at the end MARIE. My dipolma, kids birth certificate, marriage, life insurance, income tax, divorce (even bankruptcy has that first name). Real ID came out & i had to request my birth certificate which (surprisingly) shows my first name as MARIA. Of course dmv changed it, so i had to update my ss#, and current credit cards to reflect that name. I never reverted back to my maiden name after my divorce ( although its in the paperwork along with MARIE). 8 years later, would it be possible to file to have MARIE + (maiden name) restored? Or do i have to file a petition since my birth certificate reflects MARIA? (name used is an example only)

Thanks in advance

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1 Lawyer Answer
Rand Scott Lieber
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Answered
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Legally your birth certificate is your legal name. If you have never legally changed your name in the past then your birth certificate is still your legal name. That is your starting point. You do nat say why you want to change your name. If it is for legal purposes then you would file a petition for name change. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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