Marriage does not change the legal name of either spouse. However, a married person may use the surname of either or both spouses.1 If, post-divorce, a woman seeks to return to the use of her maiden name, she may do so. To expedite the process, the divorce judgment can specifically contain language wherein the ex-spouse can declare her desire to return to her maiden name and the court can so order that she is permitted to do the same. Obtaining an order permitting a spouse to return to her family name can expedite the ex-spouse in changing legal documents such as a driver’s license or a Social Security card.2
- 1La. C.C. art. 100.
- 2See, e.g., La. OMV, § 1, Policy 22.00; How Do I Change or Correct My Name on May Social Security Number Card?, U.S. Social Security Admin.