Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Getting maiden name after divorce is final
My girlfriend had her divorce settlement read into the court on Monday, and the divorce was granted and final. However, the judge was a bit of a misogynist, and was bullying previous female plaintiffs who wanted their name changed. My girlfriend panicked, and told the court she did not want to return to her maiden name. Now, she realizes the mistake, and does want her maiden name. How can she go about this? Can she do it through another judge? In another county? (The divorce was in Gwinnett, she now resides in Forsyth). Will she need a lawyer?

Asked on 12/21/05, 9:24 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

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Re: Getting maiden name after divorce is final

Some judges might be willing, on request, to amend the divorce decree, which would be the easist option. Her lawyer will know if that Judge will or will not.

She could, at some expense, including legal fees, court costs and newspaper fees, file a separate name change case in her present county.

Without counting legal fees, the costs (filing fee and ad) run about $100-$160 depending on the length of the legal ad.

Answered on 12/21/05, 10:04 am

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Eric Ballinger Ballinger & Associates

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Re: Getting maiden name after divorce is final

Your friend can petition the Superior Court of Forsyth County for a name change. The forms are available in the law library. It is pretty straight forward, but it would be a lot easier with a lawyer. It would not be too expensive.

Answered on 12/21/05, 10:09 am

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