Name Change sigkapgirl: Hey - I'm new to the site, and I have a question that I just can't seem to get any clarification on. I want to go back to my maiden name, and every time that I talk to the people at the social security office, they tell me that I have to have a divorce certificate or a court order to change my name back. I need to change my name so that I can REALLY start to move on - it makes it harder when I always have to use my husbands name to introduce myself. In addition, I will be attending law school in the fall, and I would prefer to not have to change my name in the middle of the year.
What do I need to do to change my name? Don't people change their names all the time just because they want to? How do they do it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Re:Name Change sourpuss: don't know what's up in nc with name changing, but did you ask the social sec folks if you can apply for a "legal name change", as opposed to "reverting to your maiden name"?
if you can, it might be faster.
just a thought.
Re:Name Change jillieb44: Just start using your maiden name. I use my maiden name professionally and used my married name socially. You betcha I'm switching back to my maiden name legally when this is all said and done (shoulda never changed it in the first place, but that's done already...sigh).
As long as you aren't trying to defraud people or hide from debt, it's legal until you can get it done legally. Keep in mind though if you need to travel via plane, then the name on your ticket does need to match that on your driver's license and credit card....made that mistake once and got searched 4 times. Not fun.
Jillie
Re:Name Change MidwestHopeful: Like the SS guys told you, you've got two options. You can either finish your divorce and stipulate as part of the petition that you would like to return to your maiden name or you can petition the court seperately for a name change.
The second option should be quicker because it won't concern the many parts of the divorce. You will just have to give an explanation for why you want to change your name - and you can do that because you told us here.
Otherwise, you will have to continue using your legal name on legal documents, like at the SS office and on plane tickets, anywhere where they might need to verify who you are, but there's nothing wrong with using your maiden name in introducing yourself.
I changed my name during law school and it didn't make much difference to me to have done it. It didn't affect anything really. You can use your maiden name on resumes and explain to the hiring partners that you're in the process of a name change, which is why they'll see a different name on your transcripts.
But I agree, it's hard to move on using his name. I'd go forward with a legal name change if I were you. My suggestion is to do a search of the county court website in your area. They'll normally have forms and you can often find a "name change" form and get the process started quite easily. Otherwise, go to your local law library and ask a reference librarian to help you find one - it won't be difficult. Then you'll just have to fill out the paperwork and pay the fee and chances are you can be back to your maiden name in a few weeks.
Good luck!
Re:Name Change in_search_of: To change your name separately is going to cost you another set of court costs, as soon as you petition for the divorce (ie file the first set of paper work, you may be able to go ahead and change it with social security). You can use whatever name you want socially. Just introduce yourself as Ms. Maiden Name etc.
As far as the law school goes, go ahead and use what will be your name, law schools are used to name changes (ie many many many people get divorced during their law school careers...) and more than likely they won't blink if you just explain to them what you are doing.
Good luck with law school by the way, I am studying for the bar after 3 years of working through law school (and one divorce during the first year....)
