Thread: Process of changing back to my maiden name after the divorce is final

I got divorced in Colorado about 6 years ago (still reside in CO). I foolishly kept my married name instead of petitioning for the change in my divorce papers. Now my ex is remarried and is getting ready to have kids (we have no children together) and I simply want to change back to my maiden name. I have read so much online that I'm not really sure what step to take first. The Jefferson county court page states that when petitioning for a legal name change that you have to get fingerprints, FBI background checks, etc. I'm not really opposed to any of this if it didn't slow the entire process down. When I got married I dropped my middle name and adopted my maiden name as my middle. So wouldn't I be able to simply drop the married name? I have my birth certificate, passport (still in maiden name), driver's license that shows first, maiden, married name and my divorce decree. Would this not all suffice in petitioning for the change? Then, once I recieve the court order for the legal name change, do I go to the ss office or the drivers license office first? I don't want to go to one place only to be turned away because I missed a step. Hope someone can help!

I don't practice in Colorado, but in my state, Pennsylvania, all a divorced woman has to do is submit a copy of her divorce decree on a pre-printed form (available in the courthouse) to legally retake her maiden name. You should see if this is available in your area. It's easy, and you can do it yourself.

Good luck