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Changing Your Name after Divorce

Quick Facts

Name change during divorce is cheaper and easier than after divorce.
You can change your name back to your pre-marriage name or to any new name you choose, with some limitations.
You cannot use a different name except in accordance with MN law; using a fake name can be a gross misdemeanor.

In the final decree of dissolution or legal separation the court will, if requested by a spouse, change the name of that spouse to another name as the spouse requests. The court will grant a request unless it finds that there is intent to defraud or mislead, with some exceptions. The court will notify the spouses that use of a different surname after dissolution or legal separation without complying with Minnesota law is a gross misdemeanor.

The spouse's new name is indicated in the final decree.

Changing your name during the divorce process is easier and more cost-efficient than changing your name after the proceedings are finished. Requesting a name change during the divorce is a simple matter of adding the line to the decree. Changing your name afterward involves a new legal proceeding, which adds more filing fees and attorney fees to the equation.