Name Change After Divorce – Starting @ ₹499

Overview

Changing your name after divorce is a personal and legal decision that also affects your family. Whether you wish to drop your ex-spouse’s surname or revert to your maiden name, the process must be completed through proper legal channels. At Vakilsearch, we simplify every step from affidavit preparation to Gazette publication and updates in your passport or Aadhaar.

Why People Change Their Name After Divorce

Changing your name after divorce can feel like a fresh start. It’s a way to take back your personal identity and leave behind a chapter that no longer fits. Some people go back to their maiden name, while others choose a completely new one. It’s personal and it’s your call. This change isn’t legally required. But many divorced women decide to update their surname in important documents like their passport, driver’s license, bank account, and financial records.

It helps avoid confusion with school forms, children's documents, or even when dealing with financial institutions. You’re not just updating a name. You’re removing your ex-spouse’s name from official records and putting your own name first literally, including your social security card . Whether it’s for peace of mind, to match your kids’ names, or to build a new professional identity, this is your decision. Vakilsearch makes the process simple. We help with all the legal steps so you can move forward without paperwork getting in the way.

Name Change Options After Divorce in India

If you’re considering a name change after divorce, here are three common options available to you in India:

• Reverting to Maiden Name

  This is the most popular choice after a divorce name change. You can legally switch back to the surname you used before marriage. It restores your pre-marriage identity and is accepted by all government and financial institutions once processed.

• Keeping Your Married Name

  Some choose to retain their married name, especially if their children use the same surname or for professional reasons. There are no legal issues with this you’re not required to change your name after divorce unless you want to.

• Choosing a New Name Entirely

  You can also go for a completely new name (first name, last name, or both). This route allows for a clean slate but involves a full change of name following divorce, requiring Gazette publication and updates in all key documents.

Legal Name Change Process After Divorce

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to change your name after divorce in India. Vakilsearch makes the entire name change process after divorce easy and fully online.

• Step 1: Draft a Name Change Affidavit

  Start with a legally valid affidavit stating your intent to change your name after divorce. This document must include your old name, new name, reason for change, and personal details.

• Step 2: Place a Newspaper Advertisement

  You’ll need to publish your name change in one English and one regional newspaper, ideally on one page . Vakilsearch helps you draft and place this ad as per legal guidelines.

• Step 3: Gazette Notification

  Next, your name change must be published in the Official Gazette of your state or the Central Gazette. This is the most critical legal proof of your name change.

• Step 4: Update Your Documents

  Once the Gazette is published, you can apply to change official documents like your Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts, and more. Vakilsearch handles all these steps online so you don’t have to visit any government offices or deal with paperwork on your own.

Documents Required for Name Change After Divorce

To complete a post divorce name change in India, you’ll need to gather and submit a few key documents. These help verify your identity, support your request, and ensure your official name change is legally recognised across institutions.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Divorce Decree or Judgment (certified copy) – your primary legal proof for the name change
• Name Change Affidavit – stating your old and new names, and reason for the change (Vakilsearch helps create this)
• Passport-sized Photographs
• Identity Proof – Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, or passport
• Address Proof – utility bill, Aadhaar, rent agreement, or bank statement
• Marriage Certificate – if reverting to maiden name
• Old and New Name Proofs – showing how your name appeared before and after marriage, if applicable
• Newspaper Advertisement – proof of publication in two newspapers
• Application to Gazette – completed form for publishing in the official Gazette

Why Choose Vakilsearch for Divorce Name Change?

Vakilsearch makes the legal name change after divorce smooth, fast, and entirely online. Here’s why thousands trust our platform when they decide it’s time to name something to change after divorce, starting with their last name.

• 100% Online Process for a Fresh Start

  No long queues, no court visits. We handle everything from affidavit preparation to newspaper ads and Gazette publication through a secure and convenient online name change after divorce process.

• Trusted by Over 5 Lakh Customers

  Our Vakilsearch name change service has a 4.5+ rating, serving as an example of reliable support . From women reclaiming their maiden name to those choosing a new identity, we’ve helped people across India take control of their personal identity.

• Expert Support at Every Step

  Our legal professionals review your documents and guide you throughout the process. Whether it’s your first time applying for a name change after divorce or you just want expert help, we’ve got you covered.

• Seamless Updates in All Key Documents

  Once your name is legally changed, we help you update it across your passport, bank accounts, driver’s license, and more to avoid confusion or delays.

• For When You’re Ready to Move Forward

  Changing your name isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about reclaiming your identity. If you’re ready to leave the ex-spouse's name and your past behind and embrace your own, Vakilsearch ensures the process is handled correctly.