Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

I divorced several years ago and kept my married last name. This has caused problems for me and I wish to change my last name to something entirely different and make my maiden name my middle name. Can I legally use either name (such as someone writing me a check) as my last name?

I.E.: Ann Maidenname Newname and can use either Ann Maidenname or Ann Newname

Thank you,


Asked on 11/29/11, 11:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan Shimberg Shimberg and Crohn, P.C.

While Illinois takes the common law position that can use any name you wish as long as you are not defrauding anyone, most financial institutions and the government want a formal Change of Name order. Thus you have to file a Change of Name Petition and cause Notice to be published in the appropriate local paper of the Change of Name petition. The local court clerk has the forms. You can easily do it without an attorney, if you wish.

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Answered on 11/29/11, 11:34 am


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