Should I Keep My Married Name After a Divorce?

While it is often in the best interests of everyone involved, divorce is still a lengthy and complex process. Before a divorce can be finalized, many things must be settled before partners can go their separate ways.

One of the decisions a woman may face when ending their marriage is whether to keep their married last name. While this choice may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, such a decision can influence your life more than you may realize. Learning about the effects of changing your last name can help you make informed decisions about your future.

Effects on Your Children

When deciding if you should change your last name, the long-term effects on children of divorce should be considered. There is an emotional component that must be addressed, as it can be challenging for children to maintain their sense of self after suddenly adopting a new family name.

This change can also create feelings of detachment between a child and their parents, which is hard to deal with regardless of their age. Thoroughly analyzing the impact of a last name change and communicating openly with your children about how they feel can help you determine whether changing your last name is the right decision for you.

Professional Impacts of Changing Your Last Name

One’s professional career is another important consideration that should be thought through when deciding to change their last name. A name change may create various problems if a business or brand is tied to a married name. It can be hard to realize how much power a name holds and how it defines one’s life until it is altered.

Despite these potential consequences, many people simply need the name change to truly move on from the relationship. It can be difficult to heal with the constant reminder of a past life with a spouse. This is a determination that only you can make for yourself, so it can be helpful to sit down and list out all the potential impacts a name change could have on your professional life. By weighing the pros and cons of this decision, you can choose what makes the most sense for you.

An Experienced Divorce Attorney Can Answer Your Questions

The question of whether to keep one’s married name following a divorce comes down to the individual. If you need help deciding whether you should keep your last name, a divorce attorney can help explain the possible repercussions of such a change. Call Moskowitz Law Group today to discover the relevant legal considerations that will help you make the most informed decision possible.