When a couple marries, the woman, in most cases, has a big decision to make – What last name will she use?
Many questions arise. Will she keep her maiden name? Will she take her new husband’s name? Should she hyphenate her maiden name and her husband’s name?
Some women look at their last name as a key part of their identity, while others, look at the change of name as something new and exciting. Getting married, having your partner’s name brings the couple together as one.
What happens if down the road the couple decides to divorce? Again, the female spouse has a decision to make. Should she keep the name she has become used to? What about the impact on her children? Should she return to her maiden name?
So many emotions now come into play – a sense of loss for what could have been or excitement for what the future will bring. For some, this can be a difficult decision, especially when so many major life decisions are in front of her.
If your name is hyphenated and there are children involved, you may want to keep the name because it incorporates the same name as the children, along with your family name.
A suggestion to make things easier is to make the request to return to your maiden name in the Petition for Divorce. This way your former maiden name will be entered into the Judgment of Divorce, legally changing your name when you are ready to do so without further court proceedings.
If you are getting married, the choice to take a new name, resume your maiden name or hyphenate both names, are significant and important decisions that should be made with a great deal of consideration towards your future.
If you are seeking a name change after a marriage or divorce, or for other personal reasons, Orange County family law attorney Amy M. Montes is here to guide you through the process. We understand the complicated requirements of obtaining a name change, and can help you avoid the time-consuming burden of filing a name change petition by doing so on your behalf.
