Using your maiden or pre-marriage name again can be a significant step as you begin your single life following a divorce. Texas family law allows you to request this modification during the dissolution proceedings and get a name change certificate afterward. You can then use this certificate to update your official paperwork, such as your driver’s license or banking information. You could also legally switch your name long after ending your marital relationship, which might involve you bringing the final decree to the Social Security Administration’s office and filing the appropriate documents to use a different name.
Instead of navigating these processes on your own, consider the benefits of working with a seasoned attorney with valuable experience with name changes following a divorce in The Colony. We understand what this step may signify to you as you leave an unhealthy or toxic relationship behind and forge your own path. We welcome the chance to walk this road with you by skillfully handling legal matters on your behalf, freeing up your time and energy for other things.
During a dissolution of marriage proceeding, the court does not automatically convert either spouse’s name to what they used prior to the wedding; instead, a spouse may choose to ask for this adjustment by filing the appropriate paperwork. As Texas Family Code § 6.706 explains, the requesting spouse would need to include their wish in their prayer for relief—the part of a legal form that asks the judge to take action. Generally, the divorcing person’s desire to alter their name may be granted by The Colony court unless there is a good reason for denying the request, which cannot be just to keep everyone’s name the same.
When the judge approves the request, the person can then ask the clerk for a name change certificate, as described in Texas Family Code § 45.106. In this document, the individual might have to provide information about the divorce decree. This information could include where and when it was issued, the requester’s Social Security or driver’s license number, and their current and old name. Likewise, they may also have to pay a nominal filing fee and ask the clerk to sign the certificate if and when the clerk approves it.
An attorney could help someone with the administrative process of changing their name after dissolving a marriage. The lawyer could make sure the wording in the documents is accurate on a factual and legal basis and submit sound arguments in favor of the judge granting the request.
Not everyone decides to use a different name right when they end their marriage. Instead, they may allow themselves to acclimate to a single life or make sure they have everything in order before they make such a significant shift. Fortunately, people can follow certain steps to accomplish this long after the judge finalizes the divorce.
To do this, the individual who wants to change their name after dissolving their marriage in The Colony might begin by getting a copy of the decree. If they do not have this information on hand, they can go to the clerk’s office and request a copy or contact the attorney who handled their case. They could then bring these materials to the Social Security Administration’s office and fill out and file the appropriate form.
Once they complete this step, they must update their official documents, such as car registration, driver’s license information, and banking details. An attorney could help them identify and plan out what they need to do to carry out this change and assist them with putting it into action.
When you end your marriage, ridding yourself of your ex-spouse’s last name can be a powerful and transformative experience, allowing you to put yourself first and own your identity in a way you may not have been able to do before. Our law firm has valuable experience helping people carry out name changes following a divorce in The Colony, and we welcome the chance to participate in this part of your story, too.
Reach out to our dedicated team today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We could help you on this journey by leveraging our legal knowledge to create a personalized plan that seeks to accomplish your goals.
Our Law Firm’s approach to your case is based on individual circumstances. Whether it is a simple negotiated settlement, or it requires an aggressive approach, we will protect and defend your best interests.
