Divorce and Name Changes Lawyer in Scottsdale

Arizona Lawyer for Help With Post-divorce Name Changes in Scottsdale

After divorce, many individuals want to shed all reminders of their past lives. For some, this includes changing the name they used while married. Name changes after divorce in Scottsdale are not limited to women seeking to return to the names they used before marriage, often their own family names. In the age of hyphenated names assumed by both spouses, many people often wish to leave their former spouse’s last name behind.

At the Law Office of Karen Schoenau, we help people navigate the process of legally changing their names in Scottsdale. Whether changing your name is part of the divorce process or something you do after divorce, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation for your post-divorce name change.

Things to Know When Changing Your Name in Scottsdale

There are some things you should be aware of when seeking to change your name during or after divorce. These include:

• You can only change your name as part of your divorce if you are reverting to the name you used before your marriage.
• If you don’t revert to your pre-marriage name as part of your divorce, you can do it later through your county court. Each county has slightly different forms and processes.
• If you wish to use a name different from the one you used before your marriage, you will need to follow the process outlined by the court in your county.
• If you wish to change your children’s names after your divorce, you must do this separately from the divorce process. The court will use the same standard it applies to all matters involving children in divorce: the best interests of the child. If the other parent objects and has an ongoing relationship with the child, the court may deny your request.
• If you have been divorced before, you have additional choices. You can keep your current name, you can revert to the name you used upon marriage, or you can adopt the name of a former spouse.
• You cannot change your name to avoid debts or prosecution for a crime.
• You cannot force your ex (or soon-to-be-ex) to change his or her name.
• Changing your name during or after divorce will not automatically change it on legal documents such as wills, insurance policies, driver’s license, voting records or other documents. It is important to review everything to ensure that your name is correct.

Whether you change your name as part of the divorce process or do it later, our law firm will help you assemble the needed documents and guide you through the process. Although it is usually straightforward, having a knowledgeable attorney by your side is important if something unforeseen arises. Contact Karen A. Schoenau today for an evaluation of your post-divorce name change.

Contact Our Phoenix & Scottsdale Post-Divorce Name Change Attorney

If you are getting divorced in Arizona and need to change your name, you should seek an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process. Our experienced family law lawyer will be able to file the appropriate documentation to get these names changed.

Message or call the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau at 480-467-3435 today to learn more about name changes in Scottsdale. Karen Schoenau has represented parents in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, Maricopa County, Pinal County and Gila County.