This faq was published
in Divorce Magazine and are reproduced here with their full permission.
"Should I change my name
back to my maiden name?"
Many women want to change their name back to their maiden name. Think
this through carefully. If you have children in school, it can be very confusing and
uncomfortable for them and their teachers if their mother suddenly has a new name. If you
had a short-term marriage, and no children, or grown children, it is usually very easy to
change your name as part of the divorce. In fact, many states have a box to check on the
court forms indicating that the divorcing wife will return to her maiden or former name.
If you change your name pursuant to the divorce there is usually no extra cost and no
extra burden.
If you want to change your name
because you are angry with the spouse that you are divorcing, go beyond the anger and
think of the ramifications. If it will be detrimental to your career (you are known well
as a business woman with this name) or it will hurt your children, then consider those
issues. Also, it will be very important to change your name with the credit-reporting
agencies, social security, the IRS, the state tax authorities, your professional
associations etc. If the change will not hurt you or anyone else, and it is a name you
like, go ahead in change it; if you didn't like your maiden name, this may be a time to
create your new "stage" name.
