Name Change After Divorce

One of the many difficult decisions to be made during a divorce is whether or not to keep your married name.  Although, traditionally, women were the ones to make a name change at the time of marriage, some men may have also chosen to do so.  Our name is our identity.  It is how people recognize us and identify us.  Many people with children will choose to keep their married name because of the children. However, there are some who choose to return to their former name or birth name after their divorce despite their parental status.

In Florida, the law allows a woman to change her name as part of the divorce.  The divorce petition or counter-petition will request the change.  It will then be incorporated into the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.  The process is relatively simple, the decision is more difficult.

If the name change is not done when the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage is entered, then a completely separate suite must be filed. The petition for name change must meet certain statutory requirements. Once all of the appropriate pleadings and paperwork are filed, a short hearing before a circuit court judge is required.

At The Law Office of Wade P. Luther, we understand there are many difficult decisions during the process of divorce.  Our experienced family practice attorney can help guide you through that process and make sure your rights are protected.  When you’re ready to begin tackling these difficult decisions, please call our Orlando office at (407) 835-9900 or visit our website at

http://FamilyLawofOrlando.com