Full question:
I requested a name change to my mother's maiden name during my divorce, it was granted. I never completed the forms and stayed with my married name. My ex-husband retired, I am getting a portion of his pension. When he filled out the forms for retiring he put me mother's maiden name down. Now the checks are coming in that name. What do I need to do? Can I cash these checks?
- Category: Name Change
- Date:
- State: New Jersey
Answer:
If the court granted your name change back to your mother's maiden name, it should be reflected in your divorce decree. Review this decree to confirm the name change was officially recognized. If it was granted but you haven't used the new name, you may need to show the decree to institutions like your bank to access funds under that name.
If the name change was not effectively completed, and you still want to use that name, you can petition the courts in New Jersey for a legal name change or ask the divorce court to modify the decree.
Regarding the pension checks, if they are issued in your mother's maiden name and you have not legally changed your name back, you may face issues cashing them. It's advisable to consult with your bank or a legal professional for guidance on how to proceed.
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.