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I Can Change My Name Back, Right
When you get married, have you considered whether you will you take your spouse’s last name, hyphenate your last name, use two last names, or even move your maiden name to your middle name? That’s great, but what if it doesn’t work out?
As part of the divorce or dissolution process, any spouse who changed their name at the time of the marriage has the option to either retain their current name or revert to a former name. Ohio law permits a spouse to be restored to a former name, including their maiden name or even a name from a prior marriage.
Once the Decree of Divorce or Decree of Dissolution is filed with the clerk of court, request two or three certified copies. Take the certified Decrees to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Social Security Administration Office in-person. In most instances, the name change will be updated in your presence, and you will be provided new identifying documents before you leave.
If you have a professional license, certificate or accreditation, contact your governing body (e.g. for nurses the Ohio Board of Nursing and for teachers the Ohio Department of Education). With the certified Decree and copies of your new Ohio driver’s license and social security card, your professional license can usually be updated through the mail.
Can I Change My Name Back Later
Many people decide not to change their name as part of a divorce or dissolution for a variety of reasons, including keeping the same last name as their minor children. You can always request to change your name down the road by filing an Application for Change of Name of Adult in the Probate Court in the county in which you reside. In Probate Court, you will not be limited to a former name. So long as the Probate Court Judge affirms that there is a reasonable and proper cause for the change of name and that the change is not done for an improper purpose, your Application should be granted.
Contact Alexander Family Law
Christopher M. Alexander has represented hundreds of clients over the past 25 years in all aspects of divorce and dissolution. If you have questions regarding changing your name legally, contact Christopher M. Alexander, Esq. at (513) 228 – 1100 or chris@alexander-legal.com.