Can I change my maiden name back to its original form?

Full question:

My sister and I have found out that we come from a Jewish background. Our maiden name had been shortened from the original. Although we are both married and have our husbands names we would like to change our maiden name back to the original. Is this possible ? Our parents are both deceased.

Answer:

To change your maiden name back to its original form, you need to file a petition in the probate court of your county of residence. The court will request a criminal record check from the Office of the Commissioner of Probation. You must provide public notice of your petition, although you can file a Motion to Waive Publication if necessary.

When filing, include a copy of your birth certificate and any records of previous name changes, if available. If you are currently using your married name, a copy of your marriage certificate may also be required. If there are objections to your petition, the court will hold a trial to address them. The court can either dismiss the petition or grant the name change.

If the name change is approved, the court will issue a certificate under the seal of the Probate and Family Court to establish your new name. Additionally, if you have a criminal record, the Office of the Commissioner of Probation must be notified of the name change.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, you can use both your maiden name and married name. Many people choose to keep their maiden name for professional reasons or personal preference. You can introduce yourself with both names, but for legal documents, you may need to choose one name. If you wish to formally change your name to include both, you may need to file a name change petition in court.