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Changing my name after divorce in Massachusetts

If I divorce my husband and I want to change my name back to my maiden name do I have to wait until after the divorce to do that or can I file to change the name now? Thanks for any help you can offer.

Name change after divorce in MA

Under Massachusetts law, you can have your name changed at any time.  Follow this link for a brief explanation of the process to change your name.  However, if you are planning on filing for divorce in the near future, you may want to consider a different, perhaps simpler method of changing your name.  You can start the process during the divorce proceedings by requesting the change in your divorce complaint.  The standard form Massachusetts divorce complaint includes a line where you can ask the Family Court to make the change back to your maiden name.  If you follow this route, when the Family Court issues your divorce judgment it will also issue an order stating that you may resume using your former name. You can use the Court's order as legal proof of your name change. Ask your divorce attorney about this.  If you are handling your divorce on your own, the clerks at the Family Court may be able to point you in the right direction.  Good luck.

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