How to Change Your Name After a California Divorce?

If you are getting divorced in California and want to restore your former name, the process is straightforward—if you handle it correctly during your divorce. The key is to request the name change as part of your divorce judgment so you avoid an extra court process later.

The easiest way: include the request in your divorce judgment

The easiest way to restore your former name is by including the request in your divorce judgment.

There is a simple section in the final paperwork that asks whether you want your name changed back. When the judge signs the judgment, that becomes your legal name. If it is included properly in the judgment, you do not need a separate court case or additional hearings to restore your former name.

Common mistake and why it matters

A common error is forgetting to check the box or include the name restoration request in the final judgment. I recently worked with a client who did just that. After the case was closed, we had to file a separate motion to restore her name. That extra step cost time and money and delayed the process.

Filing after the divorce is possible, but it is often more complicated. You may need to file additional paperwork, attend a hearing, and in some cases follow publication requirements or other steps that do not apply when the change is included in the divorce judgment.

How to make sure your name change is handled correctly

To avoid delays and extra costs, take these simple steps before your divorce is finalized:

• Tell your attorney or your divorce service that you want to restore your former name.
• Confirm the name change request is included on the judgment and that the correct former name is listed.
• Review the final judgment before the judge signs it to ensure the name restoration language is present.
• Obtain a certified copy of the signed judgment once it is entered by the court.

After the judgment: documents to update

Once the judge signs the judgment and your former name is restored, you will need to update your name with various agencies and institutions. A certified copy of the judgment is usually required to change your name on these records. Common places to update include:

• Social Security Administration
• Department of Motor Vehicles (driver license and vehicle registration)
• Passport (U.S. passport requires specific forms and processing)
• Banks, credit cards, and financial institutions
• Employer and payroll records
• Professional licenses and memberships
• Utility companies, lease or mortgage records, and property deeds
• Medical providers and insurance companies

Keep several certified copies of the judgment on hand to make these updates smoother. Each agency has its own requirements and processing times.

We can make sure it is done right the first time

Including the name restoration in the divorce judgment is the simplest, fastest way to get your former name back. At Divorce661, we make sure your name change is included properly in your final paperwork so you can move forward without delay.

If you want to restore your former name as part of your divorce, visit Divorce661.com and schedule your free consultation. We will handle the details and make sure it is done right the first time.