Divorce is hard enough. If you also want to restore your maiden name — or take a completely different name — the good news is that Florida makes this relatively straightforward, especially if you plan ahead while your divorce is still in progress.
This guide covers both paths: the easy route (name change included in your divorce decree) and the backup route (filing a separate petition after your divorce is already final).
Important: Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We prepare documents based on information you provide. For legal advice, contact the Florida Bar Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.
Two Ways to Change Your Name After Divorce in Florida
Path 1: Name Change in Your Divorce Decree (Easiest)
If your divorce isn't finalized yet, this is the simplest option by far. Florida allows you to request a name change as part of your divorce case — the judge includes it directly in the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, and that document becomes your legal proof of name change.
What to do: When you file your divorce petition, request that the court include a name change in the final judgment. Your divorce decree will state your new (or restored) legal name. That's it — no separate filing fee, no additional court hearing, no separate case number.
This works whether you're restoring a maiden name, reverting to a name from a previous marriage, or taking an entirely different name.
Path 2: Post-Divorce Name Change Petition (If Your Divorce Is Already Final)
If your divorce judgment didn't include a name change, you'll need to file a separate petition under Florida Statute § 68.07. This means filing in the circuit court, attending a brief hearing, and paying a filing fee of approximately $400 (the exact amount varies by county).
This is the same process as a general adult name change — just triggered by the fact that your divorce decree didn't cover it.
Step-by-Step: If Your Divorce Decree Includes the Name Change
- Request it in your divorce petition. When drafting your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, include a specific section requesting restoration of your former name (or a new name). Be exact — state the full legal name you want, including middle name.
- Attend your divorce hearing. The judge addresses the name change as part of the final dissolution hearing.
- Receive your certified Final Judgment. Your divorce decree will include language granting the name change. Order at least 4–5 certified copies from the clerk at the time of filing — you will need them to update your records everywhere.
- Update your records. Use the certified divorce decree as your legal proof everywhere you go. See the full checklist below.
Step-by-Step: If Your Divorce Is Already Final (Standalone Petition)
- Complete Form 12.982(a) — Petition for Change of Name (Adult). This is the Florida Supreme Court-approved form. You'll provide your current legal name, the name you want, and a reason. Almost any legitimate reason is accepted.
- Gather your supporting documents. You'll need a certified copy of your divorce decree, a valid photo ID, and a proposed Final Judgment of Change of Name (a draft order for the judge to sign).
- File with your county circuit court clerk. Pay the filing fee (~$400). Fees vary by county — confirm the exact amount with your clerk's office before you go. You file in the county where you currently live.
- Schedule your hearing. The clerk will assign a date or explain how to set one.
- Attend the hearing. Bring your photo ID and copies of your filed documents. The hearing is typically brief — a few minutes before the judge.
- Pick up certified copies of the Final Judgment. Request at least 4–5. Some agencies require their own copy and won't return it.
Documents needed for a standalone petition:
- Completed and notarized Petition for Change of Name (Form 12.982(a))
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Certified copy of your divorce decree
- Proposed Final Judgment of Change of Name
What It Costs
| Path | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Name change in divorce decree | Free (included in your divorce case) |
| Standalone post-divorce petition | ~$400 (varies by county) |
Additional costs: certified copies of the Final Judgment (~$1–$2 per page), notarization of your petition if your county requires it.
After the Court Order: Your Full Update Checklist
Getting the court order is only step one. Your name doesn't update anywhere automatically. You have to contact each agency yourself. Follow this order — it matters:
1. Social Security Administration — Do This First
Go to your local SSA office with your certified court order (or certified divorce decree if the name change is included there), current photo ID, and proof of citizenship or immigration status. SSA must be updated first. Many other agencies — including the State Department for passports — require your Social Security card to already reflect the new name before they'll update their records.
2. Florida Driver's License / REAL ID
After your SS card is updated, visit a Florida DHSMV office. Bring your certified court order, updated SS card, proof of Florida residency, and your current license.
3. U.S. Passport
Use Form DS-5504 if your passport was issued within the last year. Otherwise use Form DS-82 (by mail) or DS-11 (in person). You'll need a certified copy of the court order and your current passport. Do not apply before your SSA update is complete.
4. Voter Registration
Re-register with your county Supervisor of Elections. In Florida, you can update your registration online at vote.org or at your county elections office.
5. Banks and Credit Cards
Each institution has its own process. Generally you'll need your certified court order and updated driver's license. Start with your primary bank.
6. Everything Else
Work through this list systematically:
- Employer payroll and HR records
- Health, auto, home, and life insurance
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Professional licenses (Florida DBPR or applicable board)
- Medical records and health insurance
- Mortgage and property deeds
- Utility accounts and subscriptions
Keep certified copies in a safe place — you may need them for years as you encounter agencies or accounts you forgot to update.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not including it in your divorce petition. If you realize before the divorce is final, it's not too late — request it. Waiting until after the final judgment means paying ~$400 and opening a separate case.
Not ordering enough certified copies. Order at least 4–5 at the time of pickup. Some agencies keep the copy permanently, and going back to the courthouse for more copies costs time and money.
Updating your passport before your Social Security card. SSA comes first. Period. The State Department requires your SS card to match.
Being vague about the new name. Your petition must state the exact legal name you want, including middle name. Courts issue exactly what you ask for — no more, no less.
Get Help With the Forms
Whether you're adding a name change to an active divorce case or filing a standalone post-divorce petition, the forms need to be complete and accurate. Errors or missing information can delay your hearing or require you to refile.
Our Adult Name Change Form Kit ($35) includes all the required Florida Supreme Court forms — pre-formatted and prepared based on the information you provide.
If you need your petition prepared from scratch, our Petition Preparation service ($75) handles the full document drafting for you.
Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We prepare documents based on information you provide. For legal advice, contact the Florida Bar Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011.