If you are considering changing your name after a divorce, you may be wondering if you need to go through the legal process of changing your name with the state of Colorado. The answer is yes, you will need to file a Petition for Name Change with the court in order to have your name legally changed on all of your official documents. While the process of changing your name may seem like a hassle, it is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few weeks. Once your name change is legally finalized, you will be able to update your driver’s license, social security card, and other important documents with your new name.
When their marriage is formal, many people use their spouse’s last name. When a person gets divorced, they may want to take back their previous names. In Colorado, the name change process is referred to as name change restoration. If you do not intend to change your name during or after your divorce, there is nothing you must do. If you want to change your name in Colorado, you must first complete the required steps. It is free to change your name on your Social Security card. The DS-82 form is a common method of obtaining a passport.
If you are divorced, you must notify the Department of Revenue within 30 days of changing your name. You must notify all organizations involved in the name change, including banks and credit unions, colleges and universities, employers, and the United States Postal Service. Most employers have a practice of updating employee names. Before you can change your name with your employer, you’ll need to update your name with the SAA.
Are Divorce Papers Proof Of Name Change?
To change your name after a divorce, you must obtain the following documents: Certified Copy of the Judgment of Divorce. A driver’s license, state identification card, or passport are all acceptable forms of identification. A birth certificate, a hospital record, or an adoption record are all acceptable forms of identification.
This is an 11 step guide for changing your name after divorce. Here’s a little secret: keep it simple. NewlyNamed will make it simple for you to change your name following divorce. If you are going through a divorce, our name change kits contain all of the necessary paperwork. If you lost your divorce decree, you can obtain a certified copy by contacting your state’s vital records office. After receiving your divorce decree, you should inform the government that you intend to change your legal name. By filling out Form SS-5, you can update your name with the SSA, which can be mailed or in person at a SSA office near you.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, visit this link to find out what documents you must present. Beginning May 3, 2023, passengers flying domestic flights will need to present a REAL ID or another TSA-approved identification. The REAL ID travel benefits make it simple to obtain a REAL ID because the cost of REAL IDs is the same as standard IDs in most states. You must bring the following documents with you to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles: By calling your local Global Entry Enrollment Center, you can update your Global Entry card. Bring your passport (in your new name) and your divorce decree or court order, if applicable. Due to the majority of Enrollment Centers in airports, we recommend arriving a few hours before your scheduled departure. It is critical that your name be kept up to date with the USPS as addresses are frequently changed as a result of divorce.
To update your address for free, go to moversguide.usps.com. After that, you must update your critical financial accounts. Before filing for divorce, you must request a name change in the courts.
A woman may choose to keep her married name after getting divorced for a variety of reasons. Perhaps she still has feelings for her former husband and wishes to use the name they were both raised by. She may feel that she must keep her ex-husband in her life in some way or that keeping her ex-husband’s name is preferable to keeping her ex-husband’s name. If you divorced your spouse, your marriage name is perfectly acceptable to keep.
How To Change Your Name After A Divorce In Michigan
If you want to change your name after getting divorced, you’ll have to go to the local circuit court. If your ex-wife wants to change her name, you must file a petition in Michigan; if your ex-wife wants to change her name, you must file a petition as well. This will not be simple, but following these steps will ensure that your new name is recorded.
Can I Legally Use My Maiden Name After Divorce?
When you divorce, you may request that your last name be used rather than your current name. Divorce allows you to change your last name once you have been separated from your spouse, but it does not allow you to change your name after divorce.
If you no longer want to use your ex-spouse’s last name, you have the right to change it after divorce. You can reclaim your maiden name by amending the divorce decree to include the name you used before you were separated. If your divorce is still pending, you may request that the judge amend the decree. In some states, it is possible to apply for a name change after a divorce through a name change petition. If you need proof of your former name, you should keep it, such as your birth certificate or an old passport. If your state requires a petition to change your name, you can fill out online forms.
You may want to keep your married name if you have a number of reasons to do so. Your former spouse may feel more connected to you when you refer to yourself as “Mrs.” or “Ms.” rather than your maiden name, or you may want to use it professionally or for work purposes. A divorce may also necessitate keeping your married name for a variety of reasons. You may be in contact with your former spouse and want to keep using the same name, or you may think keeping the same name will help your children better connect with both of their parents.
Whatever your reason for wanting to keep your married name after your divorce, it’s entirely up to you. Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your legal rights and if you have any questions about your options.
Can I Just Start Using My Maiden Name Again?
The Court Order allows you to retake your Maiden Name, regardless of whether you are still married or have no intention of filing for divorce. You can learn more about both of these options by clicking here. You will be granted a court order in both cases, which will allow you to regain your Maiden Name as your legal name.
Can I Resume My Maiden Name After Divorce?
It is the simplest and most cost-effective way to begin a maiden or former surname by requesting relief in your divorce pleadings, which do not require additional paperwork or cost.
How Do I Change My Name After Divorce In Colorado?
If you want to change your name after a divorce, you must notify a number of agencies, offices, and businesses of your decision. Change of name: Obtain a certified copy of the decree from the court clerks’ office that allows the change to take place.
Colorado law allows you to change your name after a divorce. If you want a change in your last name during a divorce proceeding, you can request it. Following the divorce decree change, the judge will enter a new one. To obtain a petition for change of name, you will need to file one, undergo a criminal background check, and sign the petition. Neither you nor your spouse have the authority to change the last name after divorce. You could, however, try to incorporate it into the divorce proceedings. It should be possible for both parents to agree to the change if both agree to it as part of the divorce. There is a chance that the name changes will be challenged vigorously in divorce proceedings.
To have your petition approved, you must appear in court. If your court decides that a change of name is necessary in the interests of the marriage, it may grant you a hearing to discuss the change with the other party. In this case, the court will be able to legally change your name.
You should think about a few things before making this significant change. Make contact with the court to be sure the deadlines and instructions are met. You should also bring all of the necessary documents to court. It is critical to be prepared to respond to any questions that the court may have. It will take several months for your name to change.
How Do I Change Back To My Maiden Name In Colorado?
In the case of a dissolution of a marriage or a civil union, file the JDF 1824 Verified Motion and Affidavit for Name Restoration after the court enters a decree for divorce or legal separation. You can do this at any time after the issuance of a decree in your case.
What Do I Need To Change My Name On After Divorce?
You can change your name through either a divorce document or a deed poll, and the results will not change in any way. In either case, the document itself does not change your name; it merely indicates that your name has been changed – it is the legal equivalent of changing your name on the Internet.
Does My Name Change Automatically When I Get Divorced?
People frequently revert to their maiden names after divorce, but they should be aware that many institutions now require legal documentation to approve applications.
Does Your Name Stay The Same After Divorce?
If a couple divorces, each spouse retains the name of the couple they were married to. There is no rule that prevents the spouse who divorced from changing his or her name to his or her spouse’s, and there is no rule that prevents the ex-spouse from changing his or her name after divorce.
Many people believe that after divorce, changes to a couple’s name must be returned to the couple’s maiden name. This is not the case, and it is entirely up to the individual whether or not to do so. Changing your name after divorce is more difficult than changing your name after marriage due to additional requirements. Because the financial situation of the couple is still unclear, obtaining Decree Absolute should be postponed. One party may change their name by Deed Poll prior to the Deed Poll date if they do not wish to wait for it to be completed. After a divorce, many women choose to return to their maiden names. If you divorce, you are not required by law to revert to your maiden name.
If you prefer, you can keep your married name. It would be disrespectful to your family and friends to reveal the reason for your name change in public. Holly has been added to the list of solicitors since November 2021. She was awarded the Kennedy Prize for the Best All-Round Law Student after receiving a first-class honours degree from University of Delaware. The solicitor and client have a primarily one-on-one exchange of information at the start of the meeting.
There are a variety of reasons why people may want to change their legal name in the aftermath of a divorce. Maybe your name is your identity, or maybe you’ve always felt more at ease with your first name. To change your name, simply submit an “Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name” with the Secretary of State of the state of California. To file the application, you must first submit documentation proving your divorce and the name change you wish to pursue. It is also required that you provide documentation such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that allows the name change. All of the necessary documents are in your possession, and the Secretary of State will be able to accept your application. If your ex-spouse objects to your name change, she has the right to file a “Motion to Quash” with the Secretary of State. If the motion is successful, your name will be retained, and the application will be closed. If the motion is denied, you will be able to change your name. It is critical to remember that you are the one who owns your name no matter how the situation plays out. By filing an “Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name,” you can regain control of your identity and start rebuilding after a divorce.
How To Change Your Name After A Divorce
In the midst of a divorce, one of the most important things to think about is what to do with your name. After your divorce, you must apply for the ex parte process (form FL-395) to regain your former name. If you want your name to be returned to its original form, fill out this form. It is sufficient to provide a copy of the form and an envelope, followed by postage. If you choose to pick up the form in court, bring your original marriage certificate and any other documents proving your identity with you.
FAQs
How do I change my name back to my maiden name after divorce in Colorado? ›
File JDF 1824 Verified Motion and Affidavit for Name Restoration After Dissolution of Marriage/Civil Union or Legal Separation in the court where the decree for dissolution of marriage/civil union or legal separation was entered. This can be done at any time after a decree has been entered in your case.
How do I change my name back to my maiden name in Colorado? ›There is still a way to restore your former name. File JDF 1824 in the court where your decree for dissolution of marriage/civil union or legal separation was entered. You can do this any time after the decree was entered in your case. Additionally, you must file JDF 1825 .
What is collaborative divorce in Colorado? ›Collaborative divorce is a type of divorce where both parties commit to a mutually-beneficial solution, without the option of pursuing any other action. It is a kind of mediation, except it involves both parties' lawyers rather than a neutral third party.
How do I resume my maiden name after divorce? ›The easiest and most cost efficient manner to resume a maiden or former surname is to request the relief in your divorce pleadings since no additional cost or paperwork is required for the court to grant the relief for name change in its divorce decree.
How much does it cost to change your name Colorado? ›File Petition with the Court
Submit your filings to a Colorado court located within your county of residence. You will be required to pay the $100 filing fee upon submission of your documents.
Name change actions can take anywhere from a day to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.
How do I go back to my maiden name? ›- Marriage Certificate.
- Birth Certificate.
- Decree Absolute.
- Signed declaration stating that you are switching back to your Maiden name 'for all purposes. '
Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) (PDF) and bring it to a local office along with unexpired identification and proof of name change, such as a marriage or divorce document, adoption decree, amended or corrected birth certificate, court order with the name change, or tribal document.
How do I change my last name at Colorado DMV? ›You must make an appointment to visit a driver license office and bring documentation showing your name change. To update your name on your vehicle title or registration, please visit your local county motor vehicle office.
What are the disadvantages of collaborative divorce? ›One of the primary drawbacks of a collaborative divorce is that if you do not come to an agreement, you will need to start all over. You cannot go to court immediately after like you can with mediation. In certain cases, the judge might not allow you to use collaborative divorce as a settlement.
Is everything split 50 50 in a divorce in Colorado? ›
No, Colorado is an “equitable distribution” state, not a ”community property state”. Meaning that your house — a marital property — is not automatically divided equally (50:50) during the divorce. Instead, the judge analyzes your personal circumstances and suggests a “fair” division.
Is dissolution of marriage the same as divorce in Colorado? ›Divorce is the legal process to end a marriage. In Colorado, divorce is called “dissolution of marriage.” One spouse must have lived in Colorado for at least 91 days before filing for divorce. The person who files (asks the court) for the divorce is known as Petitioner. The other person is known as the Respondent.
What do you call a divorced woman maiden name? ›**Divorced
After a divorce, a woman might keep her married name. If this is the case, then you can either use "Mrs." or "Ms." to address the guest and use her first name. If she is using her maiden name, then use "Ms." along with her first name and maiden name.
The choice of whether to change your name after a divorce is entirely yours. You can keep your married name, return to your birth name, choose a new name, or drop your last name altogether. The reasons you keep or change your married name will be your own, as well.
What to change after divorce? ›- Social Security card.
- Driver's license, car title, and registration.
- Passports.
- Property titles.
- Post Office and PO Box.
- Checking accounts (including checks and ATM card)
- Savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts.
- Credit cards.
The court will fill out the rest. If you file for a name restoration within 60 days after the decree has been signed there is no filing fee. If you file with the court after 60 days then there is a filing fee of $105.00 payable to the court when you file for your name restoration.
What are the restrictions for name change in Colorado? ›You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. You must not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or under federal law. A fingerprint-based criminal history record check must be conducted within ninety (90) days prior to the filing of the Petition.
What is the process for name change after marriage Colorado? ›A name change may be completed after the marriage or civil union license is recorded at the Recording Division. If you live in Colorado, you will need to obtain a certified copy of your recorded marriage or civil union license to change your name. Some states will accept the original recorded license.
What documents do I need to change my name? ›This means you could be asked for documents such as a recent utility bill, your birth certificate, a letter from a government department or an updated photo ID. These documents may verify both your name and address. It's recommended you prioritise your driving licence or passport first.
Is there a time limit to change your name after marriage in Colorado? ›You must notify the Colorado DMV within 30 days of changing your name due to marriage, divorce, civil union, or court order.
How much time it will take to change the name? ›
Changing your name cannot be done overnight, it requires systematic planning and involves a host of complicated pre and post-gazette publication compliance. While it might take approximately 4-8 weeks to get your name changed published in the gazette.
Is a passport with a maiden name still valid? ›Your passport can legally display your former name, such as a maiden name or any name before marriage. Marriage doesn't require you to get a new passport with your spouse's surname. You can continue using your passport with your maiden name as ID until it expires.
Why do ex wives keep last name? ›Many women choose to hold onto their married name after a divorce because of their children. Sharing the same last name can make women feel more connected to their children. It can also provide a sense of stability for younger children who will not understand why their mother has a different last name.
Can I travel with maiden name on passport? ›Paperwork required if your passport has a maiden name
In order to travel with it, you'll need to bring proof of your name progression. This can include paperwork such as: A marriage certificate. A divorce decree.
You'll need to fill out Form SS-5, the standard application for a Social Security card that you can download from the Social Security website. Mail the form or deliver it in person to your local Social Security office, along with original copies of documents proving your legal name change and your identity.
Can you change your name on your Social Security number? ›Social Security Administration
To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records.
- Marriage document;
- Divorce decree;
- Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name; or.
- Court order approving the name change.
Appointments are required at all DMV Driver License Offices.
What documents do I need to get a Colorado driver's license? ›New Colorado residents must provide TWO DOCUMENTS for proof of residency, an original or certified US birth certificate OR valid passport (unexpired), and proof of Social Security Number. Proof of residency documents must include the applicant's name and physical address.
How old do you have to be to change your last name in Colorado? › The Parent/Petitioner must be 18 years of age or older. offense that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult in this state or any other state or under federal law. fingerprint-based criminal history record check is conducted within 90 days prior to the filing of the Petition.
What is the negative side of collaboration? ›
Because the work is collaborative, an employee who misses deadlines or doesn't complete their assigned work can negatively impact the work of the entire team. This can lead to frustration and lack of trust within the other employees, reducing the effectiveness of their work and creating tension in the workplace.
What are the criticism of collaborative divorce? ›Some say that collaborative divorce only works for people who can be open and honest with each other and have a high level of trust in one another. And—because couples who are getting divorced are unable to be open, honest, and trusting of each other—collaborative divorce is a bad choice.
What are the advantages of collaborative divorce? ›Collaborative divorce avoids contentious court battles.It bears repeating that divorce does not have to devolve into shouting matches in court. Such actions can exacerbate the pain, heartache, and stress commonly associated with the process.
How much is alimony in Colorado? ›According to a 9News report, Colorado courts calculate the alimony amount by taking 40 percent of the higher gross income and subtracting 50 percent of the lower gross income. The difference is then divided by 12 to determine the monthly alimony payment.
How do I avoid alimony in Colorado? ›In order to avoid paying spousal maintenance, you must show the court that your former spouse does not need it. Spousal maintenance is not mandatory in Colorado. In fact, you may not have to pay it if you can show the court that your spouse can support themselves following the divorce.
What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Colorado? ›A wife has the same rights as her husband to seek her fair share in divorce matters, such as property division and alimony (spousal maintenance). Each of these issues is determined separately during divorce, with its own guidelines and factors to consider.
Can you date while separated in Colorado? ›Colorado Laws About Legal Separation
According to the law, a legal separation doesn't mean you're single, but still separated spouses can date without breaking the bigamy laws.
Colorado only has a waiting period for divorce, which is 91 days after the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage. There is no limit on when you can get married after you are officially divorced.
Is there a separation period for divorce in Colorado? ›How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Colorado? In this state, the legally separated party is required to wait six months before they can pursue a divorce. This means the waiting period begins when the separation decree is put in place and at the end of that six months the spouse may request a divorce.
Can you be a miss if divorced? ›You can use any title you wish. You might like to be called 'Mrs. ' even after divorce, or you may prefer 'Ms' or 'Miss'. If you don't change your surname, you don't need to complete any legal documentation to change your title - just start using it.
Why you should keep your last name? ›
It keeps your professional identity consistent
Now, it's by no means insurmountable, but if you feel proud of what you have built up under one name and feel that your name is firmly secured in your field, it may be easier to keep your last name and keep growing your business and your brand under the same title.
“Coverture is a legal formation that held that no female person had a legal identity,” explains Allgor.
How do I revert back to my maiden name? ›- Marriage Certificate.
- Birth Certificate.
- Decree Absolute.
- Signed declaration stating that you are switching back to your Maiden name 'for all purposes. '
Continuity with children — One of the most common reasons an ex may keep your last name is to keep her name the same as any children. It is very understandable that your ex wants to have the same last name as her kids, just as you probably want to share their last name as well.
Do I have to change name on passport after divorce? ›If you have changed your name by marriage or divorce, you may apply for a new passport to be issued in your new name, using form DS-82 or DS-5504. If you have changed your name any other way, you must apply using form DS-11, Click here for instructions.
Who ends up worse after divorce? ›Ultimately, the overall economic quality of a man's life, based on earnings and amount spent on living expenses, increases after his divorce. He continues to earn more but bears fewer family expenses. The overall economic quality of a woman's life, post-divorce, decreases.
What is the first thing you do after divorce? ›Ask for Help. "Join a divorce support group or find a compassionate therapist, and talk about what happened in your marriage," Dr. Gilbertson suggests. Even if therapy isn't your thing, call a friend who understands what you're going through and try to break down your thoughts and feelings.
Can I revert to my maiden name without divorce? ›If you separate, you can revert back to using your maiden name (or a completely different name) immediately by using a deed poll. It is a good way of announcing that you are no longer together and that you are an independent person again without waiting for a divorce to complete.
How much does it cost to change your last name after marriage in Colorado? ›Depending on where you file in Colorado, the filing fee changes. In county court it is $88.00 and in a district court, it is $238.00. However, if you are unable to pay the filing fees, you can always fill out a Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit to have the court waive your fees.
How do I change my name back to my maiden name after my husband dies? ›- Petition for Name Change. ...
- Filing the Petition. ...
- Publishing Notice of Name Change. ...
- Attending a Short Court Hearing. ...
- Proof of State Residency. ...
- Proof of Social Security Number. ...
- Proof of Identity. ...
- Proof of Citizenship.
Can I still use my passport if my name has changed? ›
Citizens: United States Citizens who change their name due to marriage, divorce, or because of any other circumstance may travel using your United States passport or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved document in your prior name provided you bring proof of your name progression such as; a marriage ...
How long does it take to change your name Colorado marriage? ›At least 24 hours is required for the name change to appear on-file. You will need to bring: a. A certified copy of your marriage license or the original recorded license; b.
What are the naming laws in Colorado? ›Are there any rules about naming my child? You can give your child any first, middle, and last name that you choose. However, a first and last name are required to receive a social security number for your child and to obtain a certified copy of your child's birth record.
How long does a name change take? ›The whole process of updating your records with all record holders usually takes 3–8 weeks, depending on how promptly you do it.
Why would a divorced woman keep her married name? ›Many women choose to hold onto their married name after a divorce because of their children. Sharing the same last name can make women feel more connected to their children. It can also provide a sense of stability for younger children who will not understand why their mother has a different last name.
What is the correct title after a divorce? ›After a divorce, a woman might keep her married name. If this is the case, then you can either use "Mrs." or "Ms." to address the guest and use her first name. If she is using her maiden name, then use "Ms." along with her first name and maiden name. Again, it's best to find out what she prefers to go by.