How to Change Your Name After Divorce in Florida: A Complete Guide

After finalizing a divorce in Florida, many individuals choose to reclaim their former name as part of their fresh start. The good news is that changing your name after divorce in Florida is relatively straightforward when you know the proper steps.

This guide walks you through the entire process, with special attention to requirements in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Name Change During Divorce Proceedings

The easiest and most cost-effective time to change your name is during your divorce proceedings. Here's how to handle it:

Option 1: Include Your Name Change in the Divorce Petition

1. Request in Initial Filing: When filing for divorce (especially in uncontested cases), include your request to restore your former name in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

2. Specify in Settlement Agreement: Ensure your name change request is included in your marital settlement agreement.

3. Final Judgment Inclusion: The judge will include your name restoration in the final divorce decree, which becomes your legal document proving your name change.

4. No Additional Fees: When included as part of your divorce, there's no extra court filing fee for the name change.

In both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, the standard divorce filing forms include sections where you can indicate your desire to resume using your former name.

How Clean Break Divorce Can Simplify Your Name Change

Clean Break Divorce offers specialized services for Pinellas and Hillsborough county residents looking to navigate both their divorce and subsequent name change efficiently. Their approach streamlines the process in several important ways:

Legal Guidance on Name Change Documentation

Clean Break Divorce ensures that your name change request is properly documented in your divorce petition from the start, eliminating potential complications later. Their attorneys are familiar with county-specific requirements in both Pinellas and Hillsborough courts, ensuring all paperwork is correctly filed.

Comprehensive Document Preparation

Rather than navigating multiple forms and legal requirements alone, Clean Break Divorce prepares all necessary documentation for both your divorce and name change simultaneously. This includes:

• Properly worded name change clauses in your divorce petition

• Verification that your marital settlement agreement clearly states your name change intention

• Ensuring the final judgment contains the proper language for government agencies and financial institutions

Post-Divorce Support Services

Clean Break Divorce also offers post-divorce support to help you implement your name change across various institutions:

• Providing certified copies of your divorce decree with name change provisions

• Offering checklists customized to Florida requirements for updating your identification

• Guidance on navigating Social Security, DMV, and other government agencies

Visit Clean Break Divorce's Name Change Service Page for more detailed information about our services specific to name changes after divorce in Florida.

Name Change After Divorce is Finalized

If you didn't change your name during your divorce proceedings, you still have options:

Option 2: Using Your Divorce Decree

1. Check Your Decree: Review your final judgment of dissolution of marriage to see if it already includes language about resuming your former name, even if you didn't specifically request it.

   
   

2. Apply Directly with Agencies: If your decree includes name change provisions, you can use this document directly with:

   • Social Security Administration

   • Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (for driver's license)

   • Banks and other financial institutions

   • Employers and other organizations

Option 3: Separate Name Change Petition

If your divorce decree doesn't include name change provisions, you'll need to file a separate petition:

1. File a Petition: Submit a Petition for Change of Name (Adult) (Form 12.982(a)) with the circuit court in your county.

   
   

2. Provide Documentation: You'll need:

   • Your divorce decree

   • Birth certificate

   • Photo ID

   • Fingerprints for background check

   • Filing fee (approximately $400 in both Pinellas and Hillsborough counties)

     
     

3. Attend Hearing: Some counties require a brief court hearing before a judge.

   
   

4. Receive Court Order: After approval, you'll receive a court order authorizing your name change.

Updating Your Identification and Records

After legally changing your name, you'll need to update various documents and accounts:

Step 1: Social Security Card (Must Do First)

1. Complete Form SS-5

2. Provide your divorce decree or court order

3. Provide proof of identity

4. Visit your local Social Security office or mail your application

Step 2: Driver's License/State ID

1. Visit a Florida DHSMV office in person

2. Bring your new Social Security card

3. Bring your divorce decree or court order

4. Pay the replacement fee (approximately $25)

Step 3: Update Other Important Documents

After updating your primary identification, update:

• Passport

• Bank accounts and credit cards

• Insurance policies

• Employer records

• Voter registration

• Property titles and deeds

• Wills and estate planning documents

County-Specific Information

Pinellas County Name Change Process

• File at the Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater or St. Petersburg

• Forms available at the Clerk's office or online at mypinellasclerk.org

• Self-Help Center available for assistance: (727) 464-5150

Hillsborough County Name Change Process

• File at the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa

• Forms available at hillsclerk.com under "Family Law Forms"

• Family Law Case Management available for questions: (813) 272-5173

Common Questions About Post-Divorce Name Changes

Q: How long after divorce can I change my name in Florida? A: There's no time limit. You can change your name immediately after divorce or years later.

Q: Can I change my name to something completely different after divorce? A: Through the divorce process, you can only restore a previous name. For a completely different name, you'll need to file a separate name change petition.

Q: Will changing my name affect my credit history? A: No, your credit history is tied to your Social Security number, not your name. However, you should notify creditors of your name change.

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney to change my name after divorce? A: No, most name changes are straightforward enough to handle without an attorney, especially if included in your divorce decree. However, services like Clean Break Divorce can simplify the process considerably.

Q: How much does it cost to change my name after divorce in Florida? A: If included in your divorce, there's no additional cost. A separate petition costs approximately $400 plus potential fingerprinting fees.

Final Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process

1. Request Multiple Certified Copies of your divorce decree or name change order, as many institutions require original documents.

2. Create a Checklist of all places where your name needs to be updated to ensure nothing is overlooked.

3. Update Your Email and Social Media accounts to reflect your new name for consistency.

4. Notify Your Children's Schools if your name change affects emergency contact information.

5. Consider Professional Assistance like Clean Break Divorce if you want to ensure all legal aspects of your name change are handled correctly the first time.

Changing your name after divorce represents a significant step toward your new beginning. By following these procedures specific to Florida and your county, or by seeking professional assistance from Clean Break Divorce, you can navigate the process efficiently and begin this new chapter of your life with confidence.

Call us today at 813-626-2346 to get started with your name change.