What are my name change options?

Name Change Due to Marriage

If your marriage certificate lists a Married Name, then this is the only name you can change to.

If your marriage certificate does not list a Married Name, then you have the following last and middle name options:

Married Last name options:

1. Take your spouse’s last name
2. Hyphenate your current last name with your spouse’s last name
3. Create a non-hyphenated double last name using your current last name and your spouse’s last name

Married Middle name options:

1. Keep your current middle name
2. Replace your current middle name with your maiden last name (note, if you don't have a middle name you can move your maiden last name to create a new middle name)
3. Create a double middle name using your current middle name and your maiden last name

Name Change Due to Divorce

Your legal name change document is your divorce decree. Most divorce decrees list a post-divorce name (i.e. birth name or maiden name).

If your divorce decree is finalized and does not contain post-divorce name language, we suggest checking with your court to modify or amend the divorce decree to include such language that would specifically list your desired post-divorce name.

Name Change Due to Court Order

If you are changing your name via a court order, your legal name change document is your court-issued document. The name listed here is the only name you can change to.

With a court order, you can change your first, middle, and last name. Make sure that your court order lists your full desired legal name exactly as you want it to appear.

If your court order does not specify your new legal name, you will need to request that the court amend or issue a new order that clearly lists your desired legal name.

Please email us at support@newlynamed.com if you have any questions regarding last and middle name options.