Can I change my name after a Virginia divorce?

A: You can change your name after a Virginia divorce. After divorce, many women want to return to their maiden name rather than use their married name. A name change in Virginia is not particularly difficult. You'll just want to notify your Virginia divorce attorney of your intention to change your name as soon as possible, so that your attorney can help you through the process.

The first thing to do is to make a list of people, places and businesses you want to notify of your name change in Virginia. Start with the most official government offices such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Move onto other organizations such as your place of work and your bank. And finally, try to think of all of the organizations with which you have accounts, such as airline frequent flyer programs. Some of these companies do not require any documentation of your name change, while others will have surprisingly strict procedures to follow.

There are 3 pieces of important paperwork that will allow you to make all of the other name change requests after a Virginia divorce.

These include:  

• your Virginia divorce decree;
• Social Security Card with your new name; and
• drivers license, passport or other official I.D. with your new name.  

Your divorce decree is the first piece of paperwork you'll need for a name change in Virginia. With the divorce decree, you can then move on to requesting a new Social Security card and a new drivers license.

You will also need additional identification such as:  

• a U.S. passport or birth certificate; and
• a valid drivers license or identification card. 

Once you have a new Social Security card and a new drivers license, begin notifying other people and businesses of your name change in Virginia.

This includes: 

• employer(s);
• bank(s);
• lenders; and
• insurance companies. 

A name change in Virginia is not an especially difficult process, but it can be time consuming. Make sure you are working with a Virginia divorce attorney who can help you with the process.

Contacting a Virginia Divorce Attorney  

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 complimentary copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.

To order your free book-www.freedivorcebook.com
information on seminars-www.monthlydivorceseminars.com
info on collaborative divorce-www.virginiacollaborativelaw.com
information-estate planning for young families-www.generationslawfirm.com
information-family law and estate planning for the LGBT community-www.FamilyEqualityLawCenter.com

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