Legal Question in Family Law in California

What's in a name?

My wife filed for divorce and used her previous married name on the filing. Her drivers license has that last name on it, however legally her last name is mine. Does she need to refile or will the court recognize the case as valid?


Asked on 8/10/08, 11:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Delilah Knox Rios Delilah Knox Rios, Attorney At Law, APLC

Re: What's in a name?

A woman has the common law use of her name during her lifetime. The Judicial Council forms provide a line item for her name to be "restored" to her. This is for convenience of going to the DMV or other entities to "change" her name. It is not strictly required.

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Answered on 8/10/08, 6:53 pm


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