Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico

Re: Name Change

This is a great question. If you are on good terms w/ your ex I do not know of any reason why you could not enter into a stipulated order that amended the divorce decree and the amended part would be your name change. Because it has been so many years a judge might think it's a bit awkward so you may actually end up speaking to the judge about what you are doing and why. But, as I said, I cannot think of any reason that the order would not be approved.

On the other hand, a straight forward name change is a fairly simple legal transaction and would take about 3 to 4 weeks and then you'd be done. You might find that option less time consuming and contain less 'angst' over all.

Good luck.