Name Change - Woodbridge,VA

You can do it in a courthouse in PA for less than $5

In cali you can do it through the courthouse if it wasn't already written in your divorce decree. It's not that expensive, you do have to pay to have your license changed, and wait in line for a new social security card (our social secuirty office doesn't charge for cards unless they have given you 5 already). Plus you have to change all bank accounts, etc, and bring proof of your name change. Good Luck!

Talk to an attorney or call the county court house and ask the court clerk.

Don't listen to Betty or Retta. They must be talking about completely changing your name (to a brand new name). Luci's mom's advice and Jenna are on the mark (that is, if you are going back to maiden name). Once you have two forms of id with your maiden name on it (divorce decree and ss card should suffice) everything else is a breeze. I kept my married name for a while before I switched back to maiden name too. Good luck!

It is REALLY easy to change your name. You file paperwork with the court, and then have a judge finalize it. It only costs about 100-200 dollars. I have several friends that have done this. You do NOT need a lawyer to do this for you. Go to the courthouse and the clerk will give you the paperwork. You may even be able to download it online.

@Kelley A- I researched this online and here are the results for Texas. I don't see how it is any different from what I already suggested.
http://myfamilylaw.com/library/change-your-name/

You will have to hire an attorney...my guess is $400 - $800. You can call around and get some attorneys to give you quotes. The attorney draws up the papers then the court reviews it and then the attorney has to go to court and explain to the judge why you want to change your name...to make sure the reason is not shady.

My MIL found this out the hard and expensive way when she did not have her name changed as part of her divorce.

Are you sure that you didn't have it done when you divorced? Check your decree...it is a stressful time, maybe you just don't recall it. All you need is a certified copy of the decree and start with the Social Security office with getting all your stuff changed over.

Otherwise, it is quite easy to do yourself in Texas. Check online for the forms.

When I was divorced I was given the option to change back to my maiden name at that time, and it would have been very easy. But due to security issues after 9/11, the judge and my attorney told me it would be extremely hard to change it later unless it was linked to an event that was occurring at the same time. I would ask at the courthouse if you can file the papers pro se ( for yourself, no attorney) and see what documentation/justification they require. It does require a state court order, so start by talking to the clerks at the state court.