One topic new clients ask about is how they can resume a former name at the time they get divorced.  Others were divorced but did not resume a former name at that time and ask is it too late to do so now?  Still others did resume a former name but have questions about what to do next.

In New Jersey, Courts permit a Party to formally resume the use of a former name (or other surname) upon the entry of a judgment of divorce.  If this is something you wish to do, it is best to advise your attorney at the outset of your case.  It can then be included in your first filing with the Court whether that is a Complaint with you as the Plaintiff or in your Counterclaim with you as the Defendant.

If you are unsure as to whether to do so at the start of your case, a request can be made by your attorney at the final divorce hearing to amend/revise your pleading to permit you to do so at that time.