How Do I Change My Name After Being Divorced?

February 26th, 2024 by Tiffany Hughes

Approximately 80% of women married to men in the United States assume their husband’s last name. For many couples, this tradition represents two lives coming together in matrimony. However, after divorce, retaining an ex-spouse’s last name can be a painful reminder of the past.

How Do I Change My Name After Being Divorced?

In navigating the many complex issues that accompany divorce proceedings, a name change can symbolize new beginnings and a fresh start.

Most often, your divorce decree will include language permitting reversion to the last name a spouse had before the marriage. After entry of a divorce degree containing this language, you can simply present a certified copy the divorce decree anywhere you need to change your name, such as the DMV. However, if your divorce decree does not contain language permitting a name change, you will need to file a name change request and petition it in front of the Court. In addition, if you also wish to change your child’s name, you must file a name change request in a new court case that is entirely separate from the divorce proceeding.

Changing your name on your driver’s license and passport is not the only step after obtaining the Court’s permission to do so. When changing your name in one place, you may run into trouble if your name doesn’t match everywhere. You may else need to consider updating your name on your:

1. FOID card;
2. TSA Pre-Check;
3. License;
4. Passport;
5. TSA Pre Check/Clear/Global Entry;
6. Professional licenses; and
7. Insurance cards.

Need More Information or Representation?

If you are struggling to navigate the aftermath of your divorce, give The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. a call today at 773-893-0228 for a confidential complimentary 30-minute phone consultation or email Tiffany Hughes directly at Tiffanyhughes@thugheslaw.com. Our entire practice is solely dedicated to the area of family law. We are highly experienced in helping client’s with post divorce issues, simple and complex divorces including high asset and complex matters, while protecting privacy and advocating for our client’s best interests.

About Tiffany M. Hughes, Divorce Attorney, Principal, Managing Partner, The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes:

Tiffany M. Hughes is a divorce attorney and Managing Partner of The Law office of Tiffany M. Hughes. Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer in Lawyers Magazine in 2018 and 2019, Super Lawyer from 2016 to date, and in addition to numerous other accolades, Ms. Hughes represents individuals in all aspects of family and matrimonial law proceedings, including litigation, mediation, allocation of parental responsibility (formerly known as custody), parentage, divorce and other child-related matters.

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This blog is made available by The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of Illinois law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this website you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. The website should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in Illinois.  The law changes constantly and we do not go back in time to edit old posts that may be affected by these changes.  If you have any questions about Illinois law, which is the only State this blog and website discusses, please call The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. for a complimentary phone consultation and do not draw any legal conclusions without speaking to a competent attorney in Illinois first.