The process of legally reverting to a prior name following marital dissolution involves specific legal procedures. Typically, a request to resume a former name is included within the divorce decree itself. This judicial order then serves as the legal documentation required for updating identification and records.
Reclaiming a pre-marriage identity offers individuals a sense of personal autonomy and a return to their established identity. This decision can also simplify matters related to professional credentials, bank accounts, and other important documents. Historically, name changes after divorce were less common, but evolving social norms have made it a more widely accepted practice.