Legal Question in Family Law in Georgia

Last name after remarriage

By divorce decree, I was returned to my maiden name. I recently remarried and wanted to hyphenate my last name (maiden name + new husband's last name). We were married in Tennessee. However, we live in Georgia. I had my bank accounts and Social Security card changed to reflect the hyphenated name. However, the staff at the Department of Motor Vehicles refused to change my name on my driver's license, because it is not reflected on my marriage certificate. I was told that I need to go through the courts to get my name changed. I thought that marriage is a sufficient name change event. What do I need to do to keep my hyphenated name on all of my identification?


Asked on 5/30/03, 11:10 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Stephen Worrall The Manely Firm, P.C.

Re: Last name after remarriage

Unless you put the hyphenated name on the marriage license/certificate, your name was not legally changed to the hyphenated name by operation of the marriage and a name change proceeding would be required. I would suggest that you file such a proceeding. When you complete that, take a certified copy of the order to the DMW and they should change the name on the license at that point.

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Answered on 5/30/03, 11:48 am
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Last name after remarriage

My first thought is that you got in contact with one of those clerks who didn't know the procedure. (I well may be wrong about this.) I would try calling back and trying with different clerks. If, after doing this, your problem is still not resolved, you will need to file a petion in the Superior Court in your county for a name change. It is painless and costs (at least as far as my charges are involved) $500.00 plus the filing fee of $65.00.

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Answered on 5/31/03, 5:12 pm


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