Get your name back after divorce — the right form, filed correctly
Still carrying your ex’s last name on your ID, bank accounts, and paychecks? If your divorce is final, Rosa prepares the court form to restore your former name, then explains how to update Social Security, the DMV, and your passport — at your direction, starting with a consultation.
How do I change my name back after a divorce in California?
If you did not restore your former name in your divorce judgment, you can do it later by filing an Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name After Entry of Judgment (Form FL-395) in the same divorce case. There is no deadline, and it usually does not require a hearing. Expert Multi-Services, a registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant in San Jose, prepares Form FL-395 at your direction.
What Rosa does
- Reviews your divorce judgment with you
- Prepares Form FL-395 with your case information
- Explains how to file it and get certified copies
- Explains how to update Social Security, the DMV, and your passport
What FL-395 cannot do
- Give you a brand-new name you never used before
- Change your children’s names
- Replace legal advice about your situation
Ready to see your own name on your ID again?Talk with Rosa today — walk-ins welcome.
Official sources: Form FL-395 · California Courts Self-Help — Name change
Three ways to change your name around a divorce
| In the divorce judgment | After judgment (FL-395) | New name petition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When | Before the divorce is final | Any time after the divorce is final | Any time |
| Which name | A former name | A former name | Any new name |
| Hearing | No separate hearing | Usually not | Usually yes, with newspaper notice |
| Filed in | Your divorce case | Your divorce case | A new civil case |
You may need Form FL-395 if…
- Your divorce is final, but your judgment did not restore your former name.
- You want your maiden name or a prior legal name back.
- Your ID, bank, or employer still shows your married name.
- You are ready to update your passport, license, and Social Security card.
Five steps with Rosa
- Bring your divorce judgment. Rosa confirms your case number and whether your name was already restored.
- Rosa prepares Form FL-395 at your direction. With your case details and the former name you want back.
- File it in your divorce case. At the Santa Clara County Superior Court, where the judge reviews it.
- Get certified copies of the signed order. Agencies will ask for them.
- Update your records. Social Security first, then the DMV, passport, banks, and employer.
Update your passport in the same place
Once your name is restored, your passport needs to match. Expert Multi-Services also helps with U.S. passport applications and renewals, so you can take care of the court form and the passport paperwork with one trusted, bilingual office.
Clear pricing after a consultation
- Pricing for the name restoration is explained at your consultation before any work begins. Call (408) 766-3529 to schedule.
- Court fees and certified-copy fees are additional where applicable; passport government fees are paid separately.
- We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. We prepare documents at your direction.
“An outstanding experience from start to finish. Rosa made a stressful process simple and made sure my documents were accurate and on time. They handle divorces, custody, guardianship, immigration petitions, citizenship, and even DMV paperwork. Highly recommend.”Maria PerezClient
Name change after divorce, answered
How do I change my name back after divorce in California?
If your judgment did not restore your former name, you file an Ex Parte Application for Restoration of Former Name After Entry of Judgment (Form FL-395) in your divorce case. The judge reviews and signs the order.
Can I restore my name during the divorce instead?
Yes. You can ask for your former name to be restored in your divorce petition or response, and include it in the final judgment. Then no separate form is needed later.
Is there a deadline to restore my former name?
No. In California you can ask to restore your former name any time after your divorce is final, even years later.
Do I have to go to court for Form FL-395?
Usually not. Form FL-395 is an ex parte application that the judge normally reviews and signs without a hearing.
What names can I restore with FL-395?
You can restore your birth name or another former legal name you used before. To take a completely new name, you need a separate name change petition.
Can my ex stop me from changing my name back?
Generally, no. Restoring your own former name after divorce is your choice, and your ex does not need to agree.
Does FL-395 change my children’s last names?
No. Form FL-395 only restores your own former name. Changing a child’s name is a separate process.
What do I do after the judge signs the order?
Get certified copies of the signed order, then update your Social Security record first, followed by the DMV, your passport, banks, employer, and other accounts.
How do I update my Social Security card after a divorce name change?
You apply to the Social Security Administration with a certified copy of the court order and proof of identity. Updating Social Security first makes the DMV and other updates easier.
Can you help me update my passport too?
Yes. Expert Multi-Services helps with U.S. passport applications and renewals for $50, plus government fees paid separately.
What if I lost my divorce judgment?
You can request a copy from the Santa Clara County Superior Court using your case number. Rosa can explain how to request it.
My divorce was in another county. Can you still help?
Yes, in many cases. Form FL-395 is filed in the county where your divorce was finalized, and Rosa can prepare it for filing there.
How much does it cost to restore my name after divorce in San Jose?
Rosa reviews your situation and explains the cost at a consultation before any work begins. Court fees and certified copies are separate. Call (408) 766-3529 to schedule.
Do I need a lawyer to change my name after divorce?
No. California does not require a lawyer to restore a former name. Expert Multi-Services prepares the form at your direction but cannot give legal advice.
Do you help in Spanish?
Yes. Rosa is a native Spanish speaker and explains the name restoration form in Spanish. Se habla español.
Can I walk in today or book online?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, at 434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose. You can also book online or call (408) 766-3529.
Restore your former name with Rosa
Walk-ins welcome Monday–Friday, 10 AM–6 PM, at 434 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose. Se habla español.
Expert Multi-Services Inc. is a registered and bonded Legal Document Assistant (LDA #269, Santa Clara County). We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. We prepare documents at your direction. TruPoint Legal is a separate business.