After a divorce, will my last name change back to my former married name or my maiden name?
I was divorced in 2023 and never legally changed my name from my married name (Vaughan) to my maiden name (Taylor). I was remarried in 2024 and my marriage license has my old married name (Vaughan) as that was my legal name at the time. After that second marriage, I changed my legal name (English).
My wife (same sex marriage) cheated and left me a couple months after we married, and I am now filing for divorce. Will my name be changed back to my former married name (Vaughan) since that is the name on our marriage license or will it go back to my maiden name (Taylor)? I don't have a preference as my children have my ex-husband's last name and I don't mind sharing that with them.
You can request in the complaint for divorce that your name be changed to a former or maiden name. So you choose either. As my colleague has said, the request has to be including in the pleadings and the final order should say what your name is being changed to. Reach out to a local attorney to answer these and other questions before you start the process.
You will have to include your request to have your last name revert to your maiden name in your divorce decree. Also, you may have to notify certain governmental agencies about your name change back to your maiden name. It would be best to consult with an experienced divorce attorney to answer this question. Most of them will do a free consultation.
While I am a licensed attorney in the State of Georgia, I am not your attorney, even though I have answered your question here on Avvo. I take the time to answer questions here on Avvo as a public service, and a way to help educate the public about certain aspects of the criminal justice system here in Georgia. If you are in need of more detailed answers or representation, you will have to hire an attorney, since I am an assistant solicitor general.
