Full question:
Will the state allow a woman to change back to her maiden name, even though she stays married ?
- Category: Name Change
- Date:
- State: Massachusetts
Answer:
Yes, a married woman can change back to her maiden name, provided the court finds it is not for an improper purpose. To initiate this process, she must file a name change petition in the probate court of her county. A birth certificate must also be submitted with the petition.
The court typically grants name changes unless it deems it against the public interest or if someone objects and shows valid reasons against it. Name changes cannot be requested for fraudulent reasons, such as evading debts. Valid reasons for a name change include avoiding stigma associated with a name. However, the court will deny requests intended to misrepresent marital status, defraud creditors, or evade obligations like child support.
Additionally, the court may reject names that are bizarre, excessively long, or offensive. According to Massachusetts law (G.L.c. 210, § 13), the court will request a report from the commissioner of probation regarding the petitioner and require public notice of the petition unless good cause is shown. A decree will not be issued until a birth record or relevant documents are filed, such as a marriage record if the name was changed due to marriage.
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.