According to a 2022 CNN article, about 80% of women in the U.S. change their surname when they get married and a small percentage of men change their name with marriage.
If you are getting divorced in California, you may also be considering changing your name. Some people want a name change to mark a new identity and others may want to return to a name that was better known professionally or socially. This article will summarize the various processes for name change in California, with information sourced from the California courts self-help resources.
Changing your name back to a former legal name during a California divorce.
- There are two different forms to use, depending on whether you are changing your name when you finish your divorce or after your divorce.
- The forms are FL-395 or FL-180.
If you want to change your name to something completely new.
- If you want to create a new name, then the process and forms are different than the ones used for divorce.
- You would use a petition for change of name. NC-100
Steps to complete after your name is changed.
- Complete an Application for a Social Security Card with the Social Security Administration.
- Contact the California Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Contact the California Department of Health to obtain a new birth certificate with your amended name.
Contact an Experienced Divorce Attorney
Changing your name can be a positive step for some people in starting a new life after the divorce. At the Law Office of David Knecht, we have extensive experience with all matters related to divorce and can assist you in changing your name and following through on the steps to complete after the name change is accomplished. For help with divorce and all other family law matters, please contact us at 707-451-4502.
