A Divorce is one of the most traumatizing experiences in life though it offers a new chance to start afresh. If you have decided to get a divorce, one of the things you should consider is a name change after the process. A name change is a legal process and you have to think throughout it carefully.

After a divorce, a name change offers a break from the past and also opens new relationship opportunities. If you had opted to legally change your name after marriage and the union didn’t work, you should focus on the better things to come. By changing back to your maiden name or opting for any other last name, you also emancipate yourself from the past.

Basics of Name Change After Divorce

There are several ways of effecting a name change after divorce:

1. Through the divorce filing procedure: You can include a name change request in your divorce papers. The judge will include the name change clause in the divorce decree. You will need this document to effect the name change.
2. Amendment to the divorce decree: If you had not included the name change request, some states allow applications to amend the divorce decree. The judge will consider the request and include a name change order in the divorce decree.
3. Filing a name change petition: If it is not possible to file an amendment to the divorce decree, you can opt to file a name change petition. You have to file the paperwork required and wait for a judge to hear your petition like in any other name change process. The judge will issue a name change order if they agree with your request.

It is advisable to confirm your state’s name change after divorce requirements.

Checklist for a Name Change After Divorce

Once you have received a name change order, here’s your name change checklist after divorce:

1. Social security card: You need a new social security card after a legal name change. Visit the local social security office with the correct social security card, proof of identity (U.S. driver’s license, certified copy of the name change order/decree, State-issued non-driver’s identification card or U.S. passport), proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization/ Citizenship).
2. Driver’s license (at the local DMV): You need to apply for a new driver’s license by visiting the local DMV offices. For this, carry the new social security card or the application slip, certified copy of the name change order/decree, proof of identity, proof of your citizenship and proof residency (bank statements, mortgage, rental documents or utility bills)
3. New passport: After a divorce, you will apply for a new passport by going to the state’s website and filling out form DS-82 (for a passport issued more than one year ago) or DS-5504 (for a passport issued less than one year ago). You will attach a certified copy of the name change order/decree, proof of your citizenship, and color passport photo.
4. Notifications: You will need to send notifications about the name change to individuals, institutions and any other parties who normally communicate with you. Your notification letters must include a certified copy of the name change order. Such notifications should go to:

• Bank and other financial accounts
• Credit cards providers
• Mortgages/deeds
• Insurance providers (Renter’s insurance, Car insurance, Health insurance, Life insurance)
• Utilities companies
• Will & other legal contracts
• Club memberships
• Subscription services 
• Family doctor and attorney 
• School/ alumni
• Employer including payroll, union and retirement plans
• Voter registration office

Hassle-Free Name Change after Divorce

Looking at the name change process after divorce, it looks tedious and complicated. It is not something you want to start doing right after the physically and emotionally draining divorce process. You can now avoid all this hassle by using an online name change service.

This is a company that provides all the details you need about the name change including all forms required. Depending on the package you buy, they can complete the files for you and send them to respective recipients.

Once you provide your personal details, the company does the rest. While you still need to visit the local DMV and Social Security offices, you will take a fully completed form which saves you a lot of time. It is a smart way to go through your name change checklist without breaking a sweat.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to file a divorce, take time to learn more about the name change requirements in your state. This checklist will guide you through the complex process by providing all the steps you should follow.