I am getting a divorce and want my former/maiden name restored. What should I do?

The easiest way to change your last name back to your former/maiden name is to do it during your divorce. You would ask the judge to restore your name either when you file for divorce or before you complete your divorce case. The Judgement of Dissolution of Marriage order will say that your maiden name is restored.

If you are already divorced and did not change your name during the divorce proceedings, you can change your name through a court process.

To change your name:

• Go to the Courthouse and file a notarized Petition for Change of Name.
• Submit a background check with your petition.
• Ask a Clerk of Court to schedule a hearing.

At the hearing, you will need the judge to sign a Final Judgement of Change of Name.

Once you have a court order with your former/maiden name restored, you need to have your name changed at the Social Security office and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

You must also bring:

• Your birth certificate
• A document that proves that you are a United States citizen
• An identification card that has your old name on it

You can also use Florida Name Change, a free service that helps Florida residents update their legal name and gender marker on official government identification.