You may have taken your spouse’s last name when you got married. This may have been an important step in your marriage because it bound you and your spouse together publicly in a specific way. Yet, if your marriage ends, you may not want to keep that last name. Instead, you can opt to change your name back to your previous last name or another last name.
One option you have for going back to your previous last name when you divorce involves having the name change completed at the same time as your divorce is finalized. You can file a notice in the county prothonotary office. You must ensure that you include applicable information from your divorce case.
What if you don’t want to return to your previous last name?
If you want to use a different last name than the one you had before or during the marriage, you must go through the formal name change process. This is a bit more involved than just filing a notice.
You’ll have to file a name change petition with the court. It will need to include information about why you want to change your name. The hearing for your name change will be between one and three months after you submit the name change petition. During that wait, there are other important things you’ll need to do.
You’ll also have to submit to a background check that requires you to submit a fingerprint card to the state police. Additionally, you’ll need a record check to show that you don’t have decrees, judgements or other legal matters pending. Unless it will pose a danger to your children, you’ll also have to publish a notice about your name change intention in two local newspapers that serve your county.
Working to ensure that you have everything you need in order to get your name change approved by the court may require the assistance of a legal representative. Once you have the name change order, you can move forward with getting your name changed with the Social Security Administration and on your driver’s license so all your identifying documents reflect the same name.