The process of legally reverting to a prior name or assuming a new one following marital dissolution involves specific procedures determined by jurisdictional regulations. This action typically requires filing appropriate documentation with the court that finalized the divorce. Documentation usually includes the divorce decree and a petition or application for name restoration/change.
Reclaiming a pre-marriage identity offers a sense of closure and personal autonomy after a significant life event. Furthermore, it simplifies future legal and administrative processes, eliminating potential confusion associated with a former marital surname. Historically, the practice reflects a desire to re-establish individual identity and independence following the legal severing of marital ties.