The process of legally reverting to a prior name following the dissolution of a marriage involves specific legal procedures. It is the action taken to resume use of the name held before the marriage occurred. For example, a woman named Jane Smith, who married and became Jane Jones, may wish to return to using the name Jane Smith after her divorce is finalized.
Resuming a pre-marriage name is often a significant step in re-establishing individual identity following a divorce. The act can provide a sense of closure and independence. Historically, women often adopted their husbands surname upon marriage. Reverting to a previous name represents a severing of that marital association and a reclaiming of pre-marital identity.
