Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

Women changing her name when she is Legally Separated and has filed for Divorce

California law states that a women has a right to use her birth or former name when she is married. It also states that she has the right to have that name restored after a divorce if she has used her husband's last name while married to him. My question is: I can't find anything that says a women can not change her name to what ever she wishes while she is still married under law (legally separated and filed for divorce). Is this possible or would her husband have to be notified of the name change? Please give me a code number so I can look it up. I need all the information I can get. I want to change my name now before the divorce is granted and start using it.


Asked on 8/09/00, 8:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joseph Posner

Re: Women changing her name when she is Legally Separated and has filed for Divo

Look in CA Code of Civil Procedure sections 1275 to 1279.9. However, I do NOT practice family law, and I do not know if there are any special provisions that might differ from CCP 1275-1279.9. You should give your family law attorney a call on this.

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Answered on 9/14/00, 3:41 pm


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