Changing Back to Your Maiden Name after a Virginia Divorce

After going through a Virginia divorce, many women wish to go back to their maiden names. By reclaiming your maiden name, you may shed your identity as a wife and take back our own identity. Though changing your name can be time consuming, an experienced Virginia divorce lawyer can help you follow the correct steps and file the proper paperwork.

In many cases, the Virginia divorce decree may state that you can go back to your maiden name. You will simply need to file the name change paperwork, and go on with your life with your maiden name. If the name change is not part of the Virginia divorce decree, or you wait until later to change it, you will need to file name change paperwork with the court, and attend a hearing to get the judge's approval.

After your name change is approved, you will need to go through the process of having your name changed on your accounts, credit card statements, Social Security card, driver's license, and passport. You will also need to inform the HR department at your place of employment in order to ensure that your paychecks are made out to the correct name.

While reclaiming your maiden name after a divorce can take some time, many women find that that the process is empowering.

If you are going through a Virginia divorce and you are still in the process of the division of property or child custody disputes, speak to your Virginia Beach divorce attorney before taking the necessary steps to legally change your name, simply to ensure that this won't in any way affect your current situation. 

An experienced Virginia Beach divorce attorney can help you reclaim your maiden name. There are very specific rules governing divorce in Virginia. At Hofheimer/Ferrebee we are committed to providing you with the experience and compassion you deserve and the successful results you need to move on with your life. Request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.