Last Name Change Of Ex-Wife
My question involves name change laws in the State of: Colorado
When my ex-wife and I were in our final orders hearing she chose to not change her last name back to her maiden name. I just really don't want her to have my last name anymore (nor did I at the time of the hearing). I am re-married now and I am wondering if I can require her to change her last name. She is no longer a part of my family so why would she need to have my last name? She wanted out of the marriage when she filed for divorce but she didn't want to change her name? I don't get it.
Re: Last Name Change Of Ex-wife
no - that's your short answer - you can't make her change her name.
Longer answer... why she might want to keep the same last name...
My experience - I was married for 18 years - by the time the divorce was final I had 'his' last name longer than my own maiden name. I also wanted to keep 'his' name as it was the same as my child's name. I also had professional certificates in 'his' name. It is a major PITA to change SS records, DMV records, credit cards, bank accounts, printed checks, stationary, business cards, voter registration... the list goes on and on. The time and expense involved in a name change sometimes make keeping a name the best decision - even if it is associated with a person of whom you are not so fond.