A major concern for many people going through a divorce is how they can revert to their former name. The easiest way to change your name is when the divorce case is still pending. However, there are alternative options depending on the details of the situation. For more information and to obtain knowledgeable legal advice, reach out to an experienced Morris County, NJ divorce lawyer today.
Can I Legally Change My Name as Part of My Divorce?
Yes, in New Jersey, you can request that your maiden or former legal name be restored as part of your divorce settlement. However, in order to do so, you must make the request before the final decree is entered by the judge.
Your request will generally be granted, given that it is made in good faith and not for fraudulent purposes, like to avoid debt or criminal liability. Your lawyer can help ensure the name change request is included in the divorce filings, so you do not have to worry about enduring a separate legal process later on.
What if I Forgot to Request a Name Change During My Divorce?
If you did not include the request during your divorce, you can still change your name. However, the process becomes slightly more complex. You must file a name change application with the NJ Superior Court. You must complete a Verified Complaint for Name Change, a Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change, an Order Fixing Date of Hearing, and a Final Judgment Addendum before submitting them to the court along with the $250 filing fee.
You must also notify the state of your application by sending a copy of the Order Fixing Date Hearing by mail to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice in Trenton, NJ. This must be done at least 20 days before the hearing. While the process is not necessarily complicated, it can be tedious. You will be required to notify a variety of agencies, like the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and the SSA (Social Security Administration), so you can be issued a new license and Social Security card, for example.
Many people choose to hire a lawyer during this process, as the law can be extremely complex. Your attorney will be able to help you complete the necessary paperwork, contact and notify relevant agencies, prepare court filings, and represent you at any required hearings. For more information and legal advice during this time, reach out to a skilled attorney at Townsend, Tomaio, Newmark & Clancy, LLC today.
