If you have filed for divorce, there is a box on the Complaint for Divorce where you can check and resume your former name and list your former name. If you filed the divorce, but not made that request, but has not been finalized, you can simply file a Motion on or before the date of the finalization asking that it be part of the Complaint for Divorce, and that you would be allowed to resume your former name.

If the divorce has in fact occurred, you would then need to file a new Petition called the “Name Change Petition”. It is much easier to file the Name Change without any costs while the divorce is pending. So it is a significant decision to think about and does not mean that you need to resume your former name, just that you may do so.

If it is after the divorce, you may file a “Petition for Name Change”, which there is a $165.00 filing fee and you need to provide a certified copy of birth certificate or prior judgment. The court will also request a copy of your criminal record from probation, if any, and there are other steps in terms of giving proper notice; including by publication in the newspaper and so forth. Some of the requirements can be waived, but it is a much simpler process to do through the divorce.