Legal Question in Family Law in California

Changing to Maiden Name after Divorce

I've been divorced 5 yrs. In my divorce papers, I

choose not to use my maiden name after the

divorce, I continued to use my married name.

Now, I want to start using my maiden/birth name.

Can I just go into SS with my birth certificate and

have my last name changed? Then go to the DMV,

etc? If so, can I hyphen my last name (married

and maiden) until everything is switched over?

Or do I need to change my last name legally thru

the courts?


Asked on 1/16/02, 3:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Matthew Kremer Law Offices of Matthew M. Kremer

Re: Changing to Maiden Name after Divorce

Go to the clerk's office where you received your divorce. Ask for the form for restoration of former name. It is one page, very simple. You will need to know the date your judgment was entered. Type in the necessary info, see a judge ex parte (or the clerks might process this for you). The court will keep the original; ask the clerk to certify five copies. Use those for DMV, SS, etc.

Read more
Answered on 1/16/02, 9:49 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in California