Weird Legal Question

[rowan_ashe]

As most of you know... I am in the process of a very long, annoying divorce. This process is about to be over (FINALLY) in the fall. I want to go back to my maiden name. I know this type of name change process if MUCH easier and as far as I know it is free... but my google skills have failed me and I can't find any information on HOW to do this.

Comments

[maxomai]

Start by contacting the state and federal agencies where this information might be important. I'd suggest:

- IRS
- Social Security
- Oregon Department of Revenue
- Oregon Secretary of State

They have forms and procedures for changing name.

I'll be sure to credit you with your old name. :)

[rowan_ashe]

Right, and I know how to do a regular name change... the problem is this...
a name change for a divorce is WAY different. There is only one form as opposed to 7 and I don't think it costs anything. (the fees are many for a normal name change) But for the life of me I can't find SPECIFIC divorce name change info.

Danke... it will be weird to be a Gerhardt again. I hated that last name, but I certainly don't want to carry his last name anymore.

[gypsylady]

I can tell you what I did. I made sure the divorce decree included the provision that I would go back to my maiden name. I took the finalized (with raised seal) copy of my divorce decree to the SSA office (there's one right on the Max line downtown) and applied for a new social security card with the corrected name on it. Once they issued me my temp (which they did on the spot) I was officially no longer Mrs. #$%$#%# (nope, not gonna say it...) and all notifying was taken care of. You don't have to post it in the newspaper or anything like that if it's related to a marriage or a divorce. The IRS finds out when you file your taxes because they check name against SSN and once your name matches your SSN they're satisfied.

Does that all make sense?

[rowan_ashe]

Yes, that makes sense...

The only problem I have with this is that the actual divorce is happening in Pennsylvania. I can't afford an attorney or to be present at the court date... so I am not sure how to make sure it is included in the decree. :-(

[weavingfire]

Are you getting divorced in Multnomah County? If so, there are boxes to check on the divorce form. Also, at the courthouse, you can just go down to the domestic relations area and they have tons of forms.

If you need more info, drop me a line at malacat@gmail.com

[rowan_ashe]

The marriage took place in Mult. Co. But the divorce preceding is taking place in Pennsylvania where my ex is.