Can I change my name back after divorce in Connecticut?

Yes, you absolutely can change your name back after a divorce in Connecticut. Whether you want to return to your birth name or a former name, Connecticut law makes this process straightforward and accessible. For many, reclaiming a name is a powerful step in starting a new chapter, and the state’s legal system is set up to support you in this decision.

You have two primary paths to make this change. The simplest and most common way is to request the name restoration as part of your divorce proceedings. If your divorce is already final and you didn't make the request then, don't worry—you can still file a simple motion with the court to have your name changed.

This guide will walk you through both options, explaining the specific Connecticut laws, the steps you need to take, and what to do after the court grants your request.

Understanding the Legal Foundation for a Name Change

In Connecticut, the right to restore your name after a divorce is clearly established by state law. You don't have to prove a reason or get your ex-spouse's permission. The process is based on a specific statute that gives the court the authority to grant your request.

The key law is C.G.S. § 46b-63, titled "Restoration of birth name or former name of spouse." This statute provides two clear methods for making the change.

Method 1: During the Divorce Process

The first part of the law covers making the request while your divorce is still pending.

According to C.G.S. § 46b-63(a), "At the time of entering a decree dissolving a marriage, the court, upon request of either spouse, shall restore the birth name or former name of such spouse."

In simple terms, this means that if you ask the judge to restore your name before your divorce is finalized, the judge must grant your request. The name change will be written directly into your final divorce decree.

Method 2: After the Divorce is Final

What if you decided against it at the time, or simply forgot, and now your divorce is final? Connecticut law provides a solution for that, too.

According to C.G.S. § 46b-63(b), "At any time after entering a decree dissolving a marriage, the court, upon motion of either spouse, shall modify such judgment and restore the birth name or former name of such spouse."

This part of the law allows you to go back to court at any point after the divorce and ask for your name to be restored. You do this by filing a document called a "motion." Even better, the statute adds that "The court shall rule on any motion filed by such spouse to have his or her birth name or former name restored without a hearing." This means you likely won't even have to appear in court for the judge to approve it.

How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Connecticut: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let's break down the practical steps for each scenario. The path you take depends on whether your divorce is still in progress or has already been finalized.

Option 1: Requesting Your Name Change During the Divorce

This is the most efficient and cost-effective method to change your name after divorce in Connecticut.

Include the Request in Your Initial Paperwork: When you or your spouse first file for divorce, the initial complaint includes a section for "claims for relief," which is where you tell the court what you are asking for. This is the perfect place to state that you want to restore your birth name or a former name. If your spouse filed first, you can make the same request in your "cross-complaint."
For Non-Adversarial Divorces: If you and your spouse are filing for a simplified, non-adversarial divorce, the process is even easier. The joint petition form specifically includes a place to make this request. As stated in C.G.S. § 46b-44a(d), the joint petition must be accompanied by "a request for the court to order the restoration of a birth name or former name, if so desired by either party."
Review the Final Agreement: Before you sign your final divorce agreement, make sure the name change provision is included. It should clearly state your current name and the name you wish to be restored to.
The Judge Issues the Order: When the judge signs your final divorce decree, the name change will be an official court order. The decree will state that your name is legally changed from your married name back to your chosen former name.
Get a Certified Copy: Once the divorce is final, your most important task is to get a certified copy of the divorce decree from the court clerk's office. This document, with its raised seal or official stamp, is your legal proof of the name change. You will need it for everything that follows.

Option 2: Requesting Your Name Change After the Divorce is Final

If you didn't request the name change during your divorce, you can still do it later. The process is governed by C.G.S. § 46b-63(b).

Obtain the Correct Form: You will need to file a "Motion for Modification" with the court. The Connecticut Judicial Branch website provides these forms. You are essentially asking the court to modify your original divorce judgment to include the name change.
Find Your Original Case Information: You will need the docket number (case number) from your original divorce case. This can be found on any of your old divorce paperwork.
Fill Out and File the Motion: On the motion form, you will state that you are requesting to have your birth name or former name restored pursuant to Connecticut law. You will file this motion with the clerk's office at the same courthouse where your divorce was handled. There may be a small filing fee.
The Court Reviews the Motion: As the law states, a hearing is typically not required for this type of motion. The clerk will forward your motion to a judge, who will review it and, if it's filled out correctly, sign the order granting your request.
Get a Certified Copy of the Order: Once the judge signs the order, it becomes part of your official divorce record. You will need to get a certified copy of this new order from the clerk. This document will serve as your legal proof of the name change.

You Have the Court Order—Now What?

Getting the court order is the legal first step, but the practical work comes next. You need to update your name with various government agencies and private companies. This is where your certified copy of the divorce decree (or the modification order) becomes essential.

Here is a checklist of the most important places to update your name:

Social Security Administration (SSA): This should be your first stop. You cannot update your driver's license or passport until the SSA has processed your name change. You will need to fill out an application and provide your certified court order.
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Once your name is updated with the SSA, you can visit the DMV to get a new driver's license or state ID card with your restored name.
U.S. Department of State: If you have a passport, you will need to apply for a new one. The process and fees vary depending on how recently your passport was issued.
Financial Institutions: Update your name on all bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment accounts.
Your Employer: Inform your human resources department to update your name for payroll, tax documents (W-2), and benefits.
Insurance Companies: This includes health, dental, vision, auto, life, and homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Voter Registration: Update your name with your local registrar of voters to ensure you can vote without issues.
Professional Licenses: If you hold any state professional licenses, you will need to update your name with the issuing board.
Utilities and Subscriptions: Don't forget to update your name on utility bills, cell phone plans, and other accounts.

Important Tip: Always ask for your original certified court order back. Some agencies may want to keep a copy, but you should retain the original. It's a good idea to have several certified copies on hand.

Important Considerations When Changing Your Name

As you navigate this process, keep a few key points in mind:

Birth Name vs. Former Name: The law allows you to restore your "birth name or former name." This gives you flexibility. For example, if you were married before, you could potentially go back to the name from that marriage, not just your birth name.
This Does Not Affect Your Children: This process is only for changing your own name. Changing a minor child's last name is a completely separate, more complex legal action that requires a different court process and is subject to the "best interests of the child" standard.
There is No Time Limit: If you want to change your name back years after your divorce, you can. C.G.S. § 46b-63(b) allows you to file a motion "at any time" after the decree.
Your Ex-Spouse Cannot Object: The law is written in a way that makes the name change mandatory upon request. The court "shall" restore your name. Your ex-spouse's approval is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Name Changes After Divorce

Here are answers to some common questions about how to change your name after divorce in Connecticut.

How much does it cost to change my name back after a Connecticut divorce?

If you request the name change during your divorce proceedings, there is no extra cost; it's included as part of the overall case. If you file a motion after the divorce is final, you may have to pay a small court filing fee. You will also have to pay for certified copies of the court order and for updating documents like your driver's license and passport.

How long does the process take?

The court part is relatively quick. If requested during the divorce, it becomes final with the divorce decree. If done by motion afterward, a judge can often sign the order within a few weeks without a hearing. The more time-consuming part is updating your name with all the different agencies like the Social Security Administration and the DMV, which can take several weeks or months to complete.

Can my ex-spouse stop me from changing my name back?

No. Under Connecticut law, your ex-spouse has no legal standing to object. The statute says the court "shall" grant your request, making it a right, not something that needs to be debated or approved by your former partner.

What if I want to change my name to something completely new, not my birth name?

The process described in this article only applies to restoring a "birth name or former name." If you want to change your name to something entirely new (for example, a name you've never used before), you must file a separate legal action known as an Application for Change of Name. This is a different process with its own requirements, including a court hearing.

I forgot to ask for my name change during my divorce. Is it too late?

Absolutely not! It is never too late. C.G.S. § 46b-63(b) was written specifically for this situation. You can file a motion to modify your divorce judgment to restore your name at any time after the divorce is final, whether it's been one month or ten years.

Do I need a lawyer to change my name back after my divorce?

While you always have the right to hire an attorney, many people handle this process on their own, especially when filing the motion after the divorce is final. The forms are available on the Connecticut Judicial Branch website, and since a hearing is usually not required, the process is very manageable for a self-represented person.

What document do I use as proof of my name change?

Your official proof is a certified copy of your divorce decree (if the order was made during the divorce) or a certified copy of the signed court order (if you filed a motion after the divorce). A regular photocopy is not sufficient; it must be a copy certified by the court clerk.

Getting Help

Reclaiming your name is an important personal milestone. While the process is generally straightforward, you don't have to go through it alone. If you have questions or feel unsure about the paperwork, consulting with a Connecticut family law attorney can provide peace of mind and ensure everything is handled correctly.

For forms and official information, the Connecticut Judicial Branch website is an excellent resource.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about legal topics in Connecticut and is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. The laws and court procedures are subject to change.

Conclusion

Deciding to change your name after a divorce in Connecticut is a personal choice, and the law is designed to make it a simple and empowering process. By including the request in your divorce paperwork or filing a simple motion afterward, you can officially reclaim your birth name or a former name. With a certified copy of your court order in hand, you can confidently update your identity with all necessary agencies and begin your next chapter with the name that feels right for you.