I live in PA and have been divorced for over ten years...how do I change my name back to my maiden name?

Check out the packet below courtesy of Lancaster County

The procedure is virtually identical to every other county. By reading the packet, you will get an impression of what has to happen.

Next, check your own county's prothonotary website for the forms and possibly procedures for petition for name change. Just do a google search for "county name" prothonotary and you should find it. Your county may have more or less available online.

Next, go down to the prothonotary's office, bring your check book. There, you will find the necessary forms to begin the process. You will have to do a search of their judgment databases to make sure there are not outstanding judgments filed against you in the county. You will also have to publish a notice of name change in the newspaper or law review for the county. Where you do this and the cost involved will vary.

The prothonotary will schedule a hearing where you will appear before a judge. The judge will ask you some questions having to do with whether you are trying to defraud someone, escape creditors, and your basic reason for changing your name. After the hearing, the judge will approve or disapprove of your name change. Assuming he or she approved, the judge will then sign your order of legal name change. It is this order you take to the vital records office to change your birth certificate, the DMV, the social security office etc. You will be given certified copies containing the seal. Be sure to always keep an official copy and send non official copies when possible.

The whole procedure can cost between $150 and $250. Attorneys generally charge between $200 and $500 to handle the case for you, but most people do it on their own.

Most prothonotary offices will assist you in the process of getting the right forms, some may not however.

You should be able to take the divorce papers to the local Social Security office and ask to have your name changed to what you want. Once that is done and you have a new card ,then you can start changing over the credit cards, auto, DL, etc.

No need for an attorney. Go to your local courthouse and ask for the necessary forms to submit to the State Dept. of Vital Statistics and just pay the fee necessary. Then you'll need to go to every agency such as the DMV and get replacements on driver's license, call credit companies and notify them and get new credit cards issued, etc. Notify the post office, and people you pay bills to. You shouldn't need new social security card because all they care about is your number. If you're getting alimony or child support, notify your ex. And of course, your bank accounts need updating and new checkbook.

If you didn't request it during the divorce you will need to go to civil court and pay to have it changed (you don't need an attorney to do that)

Each state has different requirements. In general, if you are a woman, you can just start using your maiden name again.