changing back to maiden name?

BrennaAdel

when i got married last year, i changed my name to my husband's (on basically everything). it was something i was thinking of not doing - i kind of wanted to keep my maiden name because that was my name. i had a lot of crazy business going on before my wedding so the name change kind of got pushed back and it wasn't my top priority. i figured i would sit with my new name and see how it feels...
almost a year and a half later, i'm really wanting my maiden name back. even my husband still calls me by my maiden name. i've talked with him about it and he doesn't care what last name i have. now would be a good time to get it changed so i don't have to pay for a new passport and we'll be moving soon too...
what do you guys think? and also, does anyone know how difficult/easy the name change process would be on my own (without an attorney) in Pennsylvania?

thanks!

MommyLiberty5013

Probably should post this on a local PA board too.

I imagine it might be tougher to go back to a maiden name without some existing document, proving a need for a name change, such as a divorce decree. But, the best thing to do is probably call your local court house place that issues marriage licenses and ask them.

BeckyOff

What name is on your marriage license?  How did you sign it?

I've heard, but don't know for sure, that if you used your maiden name on the license, you shouldn't have any trouble going back.

What exactly have you changed your name on?

I don't think the social security office technically needs any court documents at all.  I think you can march in there and change your name any time you want for no reason at all.

If you still have your maiden name on your passport, I'd take that with me to the social security office and to get a new driver's license.

If you do need a court document, I don't think they're terribly expensive- like $50 or something to file the correct paperwork, swear that you're not changing to hide from creditors, and maybe post a notice in your local newspaper.

TarponMonoxide

Seek an attorney's advice.  You may have to apply for a name change in that state.

fluttaby32

in Connecticut you would do it through a probate court. I assume its the same there,try googling the closest probate court to you and call them.

rlyttle

All you have to do in Indiana is go to the SS office and change it. Then with a changed SS card, you can go to the BMV and all the other fun places to change your name. It's not really a big deal here. It felt totally natural for me to change my name to my DH's, so I can't relate. The only issue I would ask you about is if you plan to have kids. What would their name be? I would not be ok with my son having a different last name than me, as long as I'm married to DH anyway. Are you going to have children? 

palmettogirl924

You don't have to LEGALLY change your name back to your maiden name. If you made it your middle name when you changed it, you didn't really "loose" it. You can go by your maiden name without having to go through the hassle of changing it again. That is what I would do!

Leftie22

If you want to go by your maiden name, you should! It may be a little hassle and paperwork, but if it's important to you it's worth it. I kept my name when I married, but I gave my son just my DH's last name. I really wanted to give him both, but I was under pressure, had to fill out the documents before I could leave the hospital and was sleep deprived. I really regret not giving him my last name too. I'll have to pay to change his birth certificate, but I think I probably will. I hate not having the same last name as my son. So I get why names are important!

BrennaAdel

in a general reply, i never signed my new social security card or marriage license. and my marriage license says my maiden name, not married name. i didn't know if since i still had my old social security card that that could count if i go in there to change it again...
i know about the whole official name change business but i'm just not sure if i can afford it right now (the general fee is $100 in my county).
also, when i got married i changed everything over to my new name (even though my marriage license doesn't have my married name on it). i didn't keep it as my middle name or anything.
i'm hoping that i can use my old social security card since it's the only one that's valid right now (it's the only one signed).

rlyttle

Your social security card really means nothing. GL!