Changing Your Name after Divorce

If you wish to take back your maiden name after a divorce, New Jersey law allows you to do this during the divorce process by including a request to have your maiden name restored in your complaint for divorce. Your divorce decree will then include an order returning your former name to you. You will need to obtain a certified copy of the decree to present to businesses and government agencies when requesting that they change your name. Certification proves that the order is a true copy of the original order issued by the Court. You may obtain a certified copy of an order from the Clerk’s office in the County where the order was issued. Changing your name with the Social Security Administration and Motor Vehicle Commission first will help facilitate subsequent name changes with financial institutions, creditors, and other government agencies.

To change your name on your social security card, you will need to  fill out an Application for a Social Security Card and mail or take it to your local Social Security Office with a certified copy of your divorce decree and photo identification. If your divorce decree is more than two years old, you will also need to show an identifying document in your old name and another document with your new legal name. These documents must contain a photo or identifying information, in addition to your name. You will need to show proof of U.S. citizenship if you have not already established your citizenship with the social security administration. If you are not a U.S. citizen, be prepared to show proof of your immigration status.  All documents must be original or certified copies. The Social Security Administration does not accept non-certified copies of documents. Your new card will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name.

To obtain a driver’s license with your new name, take a certified copy of your divorce decree to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. In order for the MVC to accept your decree, it must contain the new name, the previous name, and allow a return to use of the previous name. You will also need your current driver’s license and proof of address in a form accepted by the MVC. Acceptable proof of address may be, but is not limited to a property tax bill, a rental or lease agreement, a bank statement issued in the past sixty (60) days, or a credit card or utility bill issued in the past ninety (90) days. All documents must be original or certified copies. The MVC does not accept non-certified copies of documents.

Once you receive your new driver’s license and social security card, you should present them, along with your certified decree to any financial institutions where you have an account, to have your name changed on those accounts.  Many cable, phone, credit card, and utility companies provide a space on the back of your monthly bill to change your name, address, or phone number. You may fill these out as you pay each bill in order to provide these creditors with your new legal name. Changing your Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, and Gmail name can be easily accomplished by logging in to your account and editing your profile.

For further details visit New Jersey Family Law Attorneys or wants an appointment contact Bergen County Divorce Attorneys here: 3 University Plaza, Suite 350 Hackensack, NJ 07601
Telephone: (201) 771-1808