Should I Change My Last Name After Divorce?

How many different questions do you have about divorce? Chances are if you are either considering ending your marriage or have already filed legal papers then your list of questions just keeps growing. There are many obvious questions that people have, but there are also several other questions that can come up. Each couple is different and so is each divorce, so the questions will vary. One question that commonly comes up for women, but might not get as much attention as some others is: should I change my last name after divorce?

Weigh All Your Options

First, you should know that there is no right or wrong answer to this question, nor is there a one-size-fits all answer, either. Ultimately it depends on your situation. However, there are some important factors to think about when considering this question. Your decision can have a long-term affect on you, and if you have children, on them as well. Therefore, make sure you consider every angle before you decide. Let’s look at some of things you should think about that can help you make your choice.

Plenty to Think About

The first thing you need to do is to make sure that your divorce decree allows you the option to change your name. That way, if you decide to make the change, then you’re legally covered. Here are some other important factors:

• Spite– Think about why you want to change your name. Is it simply out of spite? If that’s the only reason, then it’s probably not worth the trouble.
• Adjustment – if you have grown comfortable with your last name and you decide to change it, there will be an adjustment period for you as well as for anyone else who knows you. For example, you will need to inform a lot of people about the change, including schools, doctors, the post office, insurance companies, the DMV and many, many more. It could also take a while for people to adjust to your name change, so be prepared.
• Your children– If you decide to change your name but not your children’s last name that could also lead to confusion. That’s not a reason not to make the change, but it is another thing to consider.
• Professional life – if you have established your professional name making a change could be a challenge but if you feel strongly about it that shouldn’t stop you.

Help With Tough Decisions

You will have to make a lot of changes before, during and after divorce, and your last name might be one of them. Ultimately, it’s your name and it’s your choice; and you will need to weigh all of these important factors as you make your decision. For some it is easier to just keep the same last name. However, for others the right move is to make a completely clean break from the past relationship, including their ex-husband’s last name. At the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group, we can help you with these kinds of decisions, as well as with many other important decisions. Let our experienced and knowledgeable family law attorneys in Chicago assist you. Give us a call today at 312-445-8830, or connect with us online and click here.