Can I Change My Last Name as Part of the Divorce?
In Pennsylvania, you have the legal right to change your name to a prior surname during the divorce process or once the court enters your final divorce decree. This can mean changing your last name to your maiden name or to a surname from an earlier marriage. Changing your name is a very personal decision that only you can make in relation to your unique situation. If you’re facing a divorce, our experienced Harrisburg divorce attorneys at McDonald Myers Law are here to help.
The Decision to Change Your Name in a Divorce
Whether or not you should change your name as part of your divorce takes careful consideration. For example, you may find that changing your name is a powerful means of reasserting your identity following divorce.
There can also be an emotional component to a name change. For example, you may not want to give up the name you share with your children, or returning to your maiden name may bring you comfort at a difficult time.
If your married name is also your professional name, you should keep this in mind as you weigh your options. The most important point to make here is that you’re well advised to give the matter careful thought before making a decision about changing your name in response to divorce.
Changing Your Name in a Harrisburg Divorce
Anyone who is party to a divorce in Pennsylvania can, at any time before or after their divorce decree has been entered, resume a prior surname. If you divorce in Harrisburg, you’ll file your written notice, which must include your case’s caption and docket number, with the Dauphin County Prothonotary.
The Timeline for Changing Your Name during Divorce
In Pennsylvania, you can change your name in response to a divorce while your divorce is pending, which means that your divorce complaint has been filed or at any time following the finalization of your divorce.
The Name Change with Divorce Shortcut
Name change with divorce is a streamlined process that eliminates the usual need to obtain a formal judge’s order, to undergo a criminal background check, or to publish the name change in a newspaper. This shortcut, however, only applies to changing your surname to a former surname. Changing your first name or middle name or adopting a new surname involves going through the formal process for an adult name change. Discuss any questions and concerns you have with a skilled divorce lawyer today.
Our Experienced Harrisburg Divorce Lawyers Are Here to Help
Our dedicated Harrisburg divorce attorneys at McDonald Myers Law are committed to helping you make the right choices for you throughout the divorce process. This includes helping you better understand the implications of a name change. To learn more about everything we can do to help, please don’t put off reaching out by contacting us online or giving us a call at 717-704-9077 today.
