Can I change my name as part of a divorce?
Yes, you are entitled to return to the use of your maiden name as part of divorce action.
If this is your intention, you should notify your Charleston Family Court attorney as early on in the process, so that the request can be included in your Complaint. Even if you do not, it’s usually not a problem to amend the paperwork at a later date to include such a request.
Make certain you ask for and receive extra originals of your Divorce Decree, as you will need originals to handle your name change at the DMV, the Social Security office, with your bank/creditors, etc.
Can I change the names of my child/children?
It certainly is allowed for, but it is unlikely to happen. You will need the express written permission of the child’s other parent, or you will have to demonstrate that a name change is otherwise in the child’s best interests. Generally, such a showing would require a very absent parent and a close relationship with an extended family that all have a different surname than the child.
Can I change my name even if I’m not getting divorced?
Of course.
An adult may change his or her name by way of a petition to the Family Court. This petition will include a great deal of information that will essentially prove that you are who you say you are, that you aren’t attempting to dodge creditors or law enforcement by changing your name, and that you aren’t on any sort of government watch list (sex offenders, child abusers, terrorists, etc.).
A name change is a relatively simple matter for Charleston Family Court attorney to handle, and is a service we are usually happy to provide for a relatively low fee.