What Are My Divorce Name Options?

If you changed names after marriage, you probably only assumed your spouse's name. A legal name change will be either noted on your birth certificate or you would have applied for a legal name change. An assumed name is simply when you start using a new name, as many women do after marriage.

The good news is it's really simple to go back to your former name, regardless of your personal situation.

What proof do I need?

If you changed names after marriage by showing your marriage certificate then its easy to go back to your former name! The process is much the same - just 2 documents together as evidence of your married and former names. These document are either;

• your divorce order (providing it lists your married and former names) and birth certificate, OR
• your marriage and birth certificates. You don't need to be divorced or separated.

What name can I take?

Keep your current name: There's no need to change names after divorce. You can continue to be known by your married name. 

Use your former name: You can go back to the name you held prior to marriage. For most people this is their birth name.

Married more than once? You can be known by any married name, even if you have since divorced. This means you can choose to be known by any name you have held from birth or marriage. You simply need government issued documents that prove the link between your names. This may be Vital Statistics issued birth and marriage certificates.

Want a different name? If you want a name other than one you have previously held you must apply for a legal name change with the Vital Statistics office in your province. You will receive an amended birth certificate that lists your birth name and new legal name.

Ready to start changing names now?

You can start using your preferred name straight away. Next you'll need to notify all the various organizations of your new name. Companies have a range of name change procedures, with some requiring a letter, fax or form to be sent it. To learn each company's procedure and what to send where, just click the button below.

GET NAME CHANGE PROCEDURES AND PAPERWORK