Full question:
I was born in New York City and was married in Virginia. I have been divorced for 10 years and have been using my married name. I would like to go back to my maiden name. Should I do that in New York or Virginia?
- Category: Name Change
- Date:
- State: New York
Answer:
To change your name legally, you typically need a court order, especially if your divorce did not include a name change. In New York, you can file for a name change in the County Court or the Supreme Court of your county. If you live in New York City, you can file with the Supreme Court or any branch of the Civil Court of the City of New York. In Virginia, you would generally need to file a petition for a name change in the circuit court of your county or city. Since you were married in Virginia but reside in New York, you can choose to change your name in either state, but it may be simpler to do so in New York where you currently live.
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.