If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

If you’re facing divorce, call 203-936-6772 at LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC to set up an initial consultation.

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Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

Attorney Anthony A Piazza & Laura A Simmons

Guiding People Through Divorce With Grace And Dignity For More Than 30 Years

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Changing Your Name In A Divorce

Upon marriage, many people will opt to change their last name to that of their spouse. This is a process that requires a bit of work, but that can feel like it solidifies your partnership. In the event of a divorce, changing your name back can have the opposite effect – many people feel like this is a symbol of their newly gained independence. An experienced Connecticut family law attorney can help you accomplish this as part of your divorce case. The good news is that it is typically easier to revert back to your original surname than it was to change your name the first time.

How To Change Back To Your Original Surname

A name can hold memories and meaning, and if you are hoping to move forward, resuming your surname is often one of the first and most important steps. If you would like to change your last name to what it was before your marriage, a divorce court judge in Connecticut can do this. Even if your divorce is not finalized, you still have the ability to change your name. Here are the steps you will need to take:

  • You or your attorney will request a court judge to enter a formal order that reinstates your last name back to your maiden name.
  • Once your divorce is finalized, this court order should automatically restore your surname to your maiden name.
  • Ask for a certified copy of this court order as the proof that your name has been restored. You can use this documentation to obtain a new driver’s license, passport, etc.

What If You Want To Change Your Children’s Last Names Too?

In some cases, one parent will want to change their children’s last names as well. There are many reasons for this. Unfortunately, the process is not as simple. Traditionally, the Connecticut courts have determined that a father can argue to maintain the child’s last name as long as the father is fulfilling his parental obligations. This makes a name-change request for children a bit more challenging.

That said, the general rule in a Connecticut divorce is that any decisions must be in the best interests of the children. If there is a reason that the children would benefit from changing their last name, for example, to remain anonymous in the media or to protect them from danger, a name change could be a realistic option. There is no set law that designates a name change rule and often, this is left up to the courts to decide in each case.

Call A Knowledgeable Divorce Lawyer In Stamford Today

There is no protocol for divorce, and the process can take many different turns while you and your spouse are working out the details. One thing that you do have control over is the ability to regain your last name. If you are wondering how to accomplish this, an experienced family law attorney can help. At LAW OFFICES OF PIAZZA & SIMMONS, LLC, our legal team will help guide you through this process. We can provide advice, file paperwork, and estimate a timeline for your name change. Contact us today online or call us at 203-936-6772 to schedule a free initial consultation.