Question: During the final divorce could I change my name back to my maiden name but also keep my married last name, Just hyphen it? EX: jane doe-smoe
Answer:
Yes. In fact, anyone can change his/her name at any time. The decision will be entirely yours. You don't even *have* to do it in your divorce case (although that is a much, much easier way to handle it). A.R.S. § 25-325(C) does refer to restoration of one's "former" name, but Arizona case law is extremely liberal concerning one's right to go by whatever name one chooses. Indeed, the online forms for filing divorce pleadings (provided by the Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk's Self-Service Center) even have a big box in one of the sections toward the end where you can fill in your new first, middle and last name. Frankly, I doubt that anyone will give you trouble about this. You may want to look at A.R.S. §§ 12-601, 602.
Note: you want to make sure that your date of birth is on your divorce decree with your new name to fulfill the identity requirement at the Social Security Office. You must submit the name change at the Social Security office prior to getting a new Arizona driver's license.
March 07, 2007
Legal Services Corporation