For various reasons, a woman may want to re-take her maiden name after a divorce. Interestingly, under the Section 704 of Title 54 of the Pennsylvania Code, a person party to a divorce may resume using her prior surname (last name) prior to or subsequent to the entry of the divorce decree. A judge does not even have to sign the form. Most people thought the divorce had to be final before this could be done, but a few years ago the law was changed. The form is a simple one, and is filed with the Prothonotoary in the county where the decree was issues.
Once the form is filed, a “time-stamped” copy needs to be given to official agencies, banks, etc. in order for the “new name” to be used. The things you will want to change include:
- social security
- drivers’ license
- bank accounts
- credit cards
- children’s school records
- medical records, including health insurance cards