How can I change my last name back to my maiden name after my divorce?
Full Question:
Answer:
In most states, you can request that the judge handling your divorce make a formal order restoring your former or birth name. If your divorce decree contains such an order, that's all the paperwork you'll need. You'll want to get certified copies of the order as proof of the name change -- check with the court clerk for details. Once you have this official documentation, you can use it to have your name changed on your identification and personal records.
If your divorce decree doesn't contain an order restoring your former name, check to see if it can be modified to include language restoring your name. In some states, this is possible even after the divorce is final.
If not, then you can proceed with a name change petition. In Texas, an adult may change their name by filing an action in the county court, in the county in which they reside, with appropriate forms. The court must find (1) that the name change is for the benefit of or in the interest of the Petitioner; and (2) that the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.
For an order of name change to be granted, the court must find the name change in the interest or to the benefit of the petitioner and in the interest of the public. A change of name upon marriage, dissolution, or divorce meets these requirements.
The process for obtaining a name change for an adult in the State of Texas begins with the filing of a Petition with the County Court in the jurisdiction in which the Petitioner resides. The Petition informs the Court of the Petitioner's name, the name the Petitioner wishes to adopt, the reasons for the requested change of name, and other personal information required by statute.
After the Petition is filed and the required filing fee has been paid, if the court is satisfied that the required information has been provided in the Petition, the Court may Order the change of name if the Court finds it in the interest or to the benefit of the Petitioner and in the public interest.
It's a process that can be done by yourself without attorney representation.