My ex-husband says I have to change my name. Can he force me to do that?

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My ex-husband says I have to change my name. Can he force me to do that?

My ex-husband says he will try to file a contempt charge against me in court if I don’t change my name. Can he do that? Do I have to change my name right away?

Asked on April 12, 2009 under Family Law, Washington

Answers:

N. K., Member, Iowa and Illinois Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

Generally, an ex-wife has the right to keep her ex-husband's last name. There may be exceptions, such as using his last name fraudulently to appear still married to him or to avoid creditors.


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