Should I Change My Last Name After My Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on March 16, 2020 in Divorce

Getting a divorce can be a very complicated process. It may be difficult to think about the decision to keep your married name or revert back to your maiden name when there are so many other pressing issues that need to be resolved. Because of this, many women choose to continue using their married names for the time being. However, if they choose to go back to using their maiden names, a skilled family law attorney can help you complete the legal steps to do so. 

Reasons for Changing Your Name

Changing your last name after your divorce is one of the first steps in getting your original identity back. Whether this decision is emotionally difficult or easy, consider these factors when deciding:

1. Your children: Many mothers do not want to have a different last name than their children. However, if you and/or your children wish to change your name, the process to do so is neither challenging nor time-consuming. If you believe your kids may want a say in this decision, be sure to communicate with them first.
2. Your profession: Do your clients or coworkers know you better by your maiden name or your married name? If you are still working within the same industry as when you were married, and you would like to continue making a name for yourself, keeping or changing your name could be a critical decision.
3. The reason for changing or not changing: Some women change their last name because they are bitter about their divorce, or they do not wish to be reminded they were married at one time. However, some women have become accustomed to their married name, and do not wish to return to their former life. No matter what the reason may be, it is ultimately up to you and no one else’s decision.
4. Social media: In this day and age, nearly everyone is on some form of social media. From Facebook to Snapchat, most people may recognize you on their feed by either your married or maiden name. If social media plays a large part in your life, be sure to consider this factor before deciding to change your last name. 

Steps to Legally Change a Name

A judge can order a name change as part of the terms of your divorce hearing. If so, you can use a certified copy of your divorce judgment to change your name. To obtain this document, contact the circuit clerk within the county where your divorce judgment was filed. However, if your divorce judgment does not include information about changing your name back, you must file a name change request. It is important to note that a child’s name cannot be changed through the divorce paperwork. A separate name change request form will need to be filed with the court.

Contact a DuPage County Family Law Attorney 

If you wish to revert back to your maiden name now that your divorce is finalized, we are here to help you with the legal process. Contact a knowledgeable Wheaton divorce lawyer from the accomplished law firm of A. Traub & Associates. We have helped many divorced women through the legal process of changing their married last name back to their maiden name. Call our office today at 630-426-0196 to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3800000&SeqEnd=5300000