Ok...get this. If I have kids, I am not allowed to change my name back to my maiden name. I have had several single mothers tell me that their judges in their divorces wouldn't allow them to because they have children. Now, if I ever get remarried, do I have to keep the same name as my children? I think not!!! This infuriates me! Isn't that unconstitutional or something? I mean, women WITHOUT children can change their names back...why can't women WITH children? Am I being obtuse here? Is there something I am not seeing? I don't think changing my name would adversely affect my kids. So, why do these judges care? Maybe this is just a stupid, Southern, Georgia thing. It wouldn't surprise me. Seems we're 50 years behind the rest of the country in all kinds of human rights ways. What do you guys think???<P>------------------<BR>Blessed be.<BR>****************<BR>Keridwen<P>Keridwen_7@yahoo.com

One of my options when I filed for D, was whether or not I wanted my maiden name back. I live in MO. What ever the outcome of my marriage I will keep my married name. This is because every knows me by this name, and I think it would easier on the kids.<P>If I change my name, I feel like I would have to explain what happened between H and Me ect. I do not want to add anymore attention to this as possible.<P>Hang in there!

Keri..<P>Yes, it stinks, it isn't fair, blah, blah, blah, but don't sweat it. There are more important things to fight and stew about in a divorce.<P>When the divorce is final, get your name changed officially via the courts (hopefully, this is done in a different department than the divorce). Or just start using your maiden name (or whatever name you want to use). In most states (I am not an attny, but read a lot) you can use any name you want (without doing it through the legal system) as long as you are not doing it with an attempt to defraud.<P>As I said, yes this hurts and doesn't seem fair, but it is the way it is, and you have more important things on your plate than what you are called.<P>JMO... hope I didn't offend (I just woke up 10 minutes ago and am a little cranky!)<P>Kindest regards,<P>------------------<BR>RobinAnn<P>*********<P>Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape!

Keri,<P>Can't speak for Georgia, but in Texas a judge cannot even consider the factor you mentioned when someone asks for a name change. Anyway, if the judge does refuse to change the name in the divorce proceeding, you can always file a petition for name change, instead of appealing this. It will cost you another filing fee, but probably will be a lot easier.<P>May the Lord Bless You and Keep You,<BR>John

Thanks guys...No Robin, you did not offend me. I realize it's not that big of a deal, but I really hate crap like that. As if you don't have enough to worry about, they have put a cog in your spokes in this area. I don't even know for sure if I'm going to change it or not, just considering it at this point, but I don't think I should be prohibited from it if I want to. I guess this is a "healthy" thing to focus my anger on right now. I've got so much of it, it's oozing out all over, you know? Just wanted to know if anybody else had ever heard of something like this.<BR><P>------------------<BR>Blessed be.<BR>****************<BR>Keridwen<P>Keridwen_7@yahoo.com

I am on my second marriage, getting prepared for a second divorce. I did change my name back to my maiden name. No problems what so ever. <P>I'm in AZ. If you don't request it in the decree, you can even change it later. You have to pay but it can be done.<P>When I remarried I kept my maiden name hyphen married name. Legally I can use either name.<P>Tracy

Oophs by the way, I have two girls. 14 & 12<P>Tracy