I know it's a shame But I'm giving you back your name

 "Sail On"  - Commodores  1979 Motown single, featuring Lionel Richie on lead vocal.

Sail on, down the line 

About half a mile or so 

And I don't really wanna know ah 

Where you're going 

Maybe once or twice you see 

Time after time I tried 

Hold on to what we got 

But now you're going 

And I don't mind 

About the things you're gonna say 

Lord, I gave all my money and my time 

I know it's a shame  

But I'm giving you back your name 

 Unlike Lionel Richie's love song...  The choice to keep or to drop your married name is that of the woman's, and not the mans.  

In ALL legal divorce proceeding, this is always the case.   

If you want it, keep it - if you don't want it then think about the kids. 

   

Giving it back is easy but, might not be in the best interest of your children.

Restoring Former Name or Birth Name as part of Divorce Decree

Generally, if you want to change your name after a divorce, you may choose one of two methods. 

1.  You may decide to change your name as part of your divorce decree or 

2.  You may change your name later by completing and submitting the proper form to your local clerk      of court.

Changing your name after divorce is to have your name change incorporated into your divorce decree.  You can ask the same judge handling your divorce to include a formal order restoring your former or birth name in the divorce decree. The judge will then make a notation about your name change so your divorce decree will contain your name change order.

You should get certified copies of the order as proof of your name change, which you'll need when you change your name on your driver's license, Social Security card, credit cards, bank accounts and any other items. Your divorce attorney, if you have one, can assist you with your name change.

Even if your divorce decree doesn't contain an order restoring your former name, you may be able to have the decree modified. You can check to see if your state will allow your divorce decree to be amended to include an order restoring your former name.

In some states like California, a name change amendment is possible even after the divorce is final. If your state allows this, you will need to amend your divorce decree by filing a request with the court. It's easiest if you have some proof of your former name, such as a birth certificate or old passport.