Name after Divorce

[Tania Zucker]

Some women in the United States who have finalized their divorce would like to change their name back. In order to revert to their maiden name they have to follow several steps in accordance to the federal and state laws. If they filed for a divorce in a foreign country they should translate the document into the English language. A handful of companies in large cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago provide certified translation services for divorce decrees. In order to process their request court clerks will need all the documents in English. When they have all the forms and accompanying documents and their translations prepared they can request for a name revision. They do not have to wait until their divorce is finalized to change their name. Rather, they can include it with their divorce petition. Regardless of the procedure they choose they must translate their foreign-language documents. All forms and applications must be filled out properly to avoid possible processing delays. If they are supposed to submit certified translations they cannot simply ask a bilingual friend to undertake the task. They must seek certified translation service from a professional translator who has experience translating legal documents. If they have questions or concerns about the validity of their translated documents, they can contact the court clerk. Those who want to make a revision to their name will need to fill out an “Application for a Social Security Card”, which can be obtained from a local Social Security office or downloaded from their official website. Once the form is complete they can mail it along with the necessary documentation. Required documents may include expired passports or birth certificates that display their old name as it appeared before marriage. If they were born in a foreign country and their birth certificate is in a language other than English, they can have the same translator who provided certified translation services for their divorce decree perform the translation. Divorcees may also wish to change their name through the DMV. They will be asked for their divorce decree and current driver’s license. All other entities, such as utility companies, that need to be informed of your name change must be contacted as well.  They may request for the original copy of divorce decree. In cases in which divorce decrees are printed in a foreign language they will have to attach the certified translation to the original document. Professional firms that focus on certified translation services can help foreigners translate documents that will be required as a part of the procedure for a name change. This entry was brought to you by California Center for Translation & Interpretation. Please visit www.cacfti.com to learn more about our professional translation services.