Divorce is always messy. There are many things that you have to let go, and sometimes this includes your ex’s last name. Interestingly, some people do not even think about changing their names, at least not until they get remarried.
It is perfectly okay to drop your ex’s last name, but it is easier said than done. There are several factors that you need to take into consideration should you decide to legally change your name after divorce.
What Name Will You Take On?
Now that you have decided to drop your ex’s name, have you considered what other name you will be going by? Most people revert to their maiden names. In some cases, people also forego their maiden names for names of other relatives that they may have been close to. Other’s, however, take on new names of their liking.
For instance, Kris Jenner reverted to her maiden name, Kardashian, after her breakup with her husband. On the other hand, Yolanda Foster, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, changed her name to Yolanda Hadid after her divorce.
What about the Kids?
The main reason why most women choose to keep their ex’s last names is because of the kids. They want to have the same last name as their kids, so they feel that their hands are tied. It can also be a problem if your kids’ last names are different from yours or their father’s in cases of emergencies.
However, it is also possible to change your kids’ last names to your maiden name. In most cases, however, most women simply hyphenate their kids’ surnames with their maiden names or with the surname of their new partners.
Your Friends and Family Should be Involved
The implications of changing your last name are many and significant. It is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so it is advisable to consult your family and friends about it. Their support will help you overcome any misgivings that you may have. Their insights will also be invaluable in helping you come up with a new name.
Besides the support and help, it is only right to consult your family and friends about such a significant decision. Imagine their surprise if they found out that you have a new last name! They would feel betrayed and perhaps even lose some of the trust and confidence that they may have in you.
Realize that You Have a New Identity
It is okay to want a separate identity from your ex. However, your new identity should reflect on everything. You will need to update everyone, especially service providers such as your insurer, postal service, and doctors.
It will also take some time for your friends, family members, business partners, and other people in your life to get used to your new name. As such, expect people to call you by your former name every once in a while. Do not feel offended. When this happens, however, always speak up and remind them that you have a new name now – they will eventually get used to it.
There Will be a Lot of Following Up
As mentioned, taking on a new identity comes with numerous implications. The most hectic implications are the legal ones, and sometimes there may be costly confusions. This is why it is necessary to follow up with the authorities periodically. Check in with each concerned party after several weeks to ensure that your files are updated on their end.
You will also need to follow up with your various service providers to ensure that they are onboard. Again, expect some confusion during the early days of name change after divorce.
It Doesn’t Have to be Hectic
The very thought of changing your name is stressful. Well, it doesn’t have to be – you can leave it all up to HitchSwitch. This service provider handles everything for you – all you need to do is fill a simple form with your new chosen name, and they will do the rest. All your records will be updated, including your social security number, credit cards, voter registration, driver’s license, passport, and even loyalty programs.
Conclusion
You deserve to have a separate identity from your ex, and you deserve to go by the name you choose. Should you decide to legally change your name after divorce, ensure that you consult your friends and family, update all your records, and come up with a good name.
It is perfectly okay to drop your ex’s last name, but it is easier said than done. There are several factors that you need to take into consideration should you decide to legally change your name after divorce.
What Name Will You Take On?
Now that you have decided to drop your ex’s name, have you considered what other name you will be going by? Most people revert to their maiden names. In some cases, people also forego their maiden names for names of other relatives that they may have been close to. Other’s, however, take on new names of their liking.
For instance, Kris Jenner reverted to her maiden name, Kardashian, after her breakup with her husband. On the other hand, Yolanda Foster, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, changed her name to Yolanda Hadid after her divorce.
What about the Kids?
The main reason why most women choose to keep their ex’s last names is because of the kids. They want to have the same last name as their kids, so they feel that their hands are tied. It can also be a problem if your kids’ last names are different from yours or their father’s in cases of emergencies.
However, it is also possible to change your kids’ last names to your maiden name. In most cases, however, most women simply hyphenate their kids’ surnames with their maiden names or with the surname of their new partners.
Your Friends and Family Should be Involved
The implications of changing your last name are many and significant. It is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so it is advisable to consult your family and friends about it. Their support will help you overcome any misgivings that you may have. Their insights will also be invaluable in helping you come up with a new name.
Besides the support and help, it is only right to consult your family and friends about such a significant decision. Imagine their surprise if they found out that you have a new last name! They would feel betrayed and perhaps even lose some of the trust and confidence that they may have in you.
Realize that You Have a New Identity
It is okay to want a separate identity from your ex. However, your new identity should reflect on everything. You will need to update everyone, especially service providers such as your insurer, postal service, and doctors.
It will also take some time for your friends, family members, business partners, and other people in your life to get used to your new name. As such, expect people to call you by your former name every once in a while. Do not feel offended. When this happens, however, always speak up and remind them that you have a new name now – they will eventually get used to it.
There Will be a Lot of Following Up
As mentioned, taking on a new identity comes with numerous implications. The most hectic implications are the legal ones, and sometimes there may be costly confusions. This is why it is necessary to follow up with the authorities periodically. Check in with each concerned party after several weeks to ensure that your files are updated on their end.
You will also need to follow up with your various service providers to ensure that they are onboard. Again, expect some confusion during the early days of name change after divorce.
It Doesn’t Have to be Hectic
The very thought of changing your name is stressful. Well, it doesn’t have to be – you can leave it all up to HitchSwitch. This service provider handles everything for you – all you need to do is fill a simple form with your new chosen name, and they will do the rest. All your records will be updated, including your social security number, credit cards, voter registration, driver’s license, passport, and even loyalty programs.
Conclusion
You deserve to have a separate identity from your ex, and you deserve to go by the name you choose. Should you decide to legally change your name after divorce, ensure that you consult your friends and family, update all your records, and come up with a good name.
