Below are some frequently asked question about name change for an adult. Learn more about name change for an adult and name change for a child.  

I don’t want to have to go to court to change my name. Is there another way. 

Maryland law provides for name change based on usage. Learn more about name change for an adult. 

I want to change my name and change my son’s name. Is the process the same? 

The name change processes are different for children and adults. Learn more about name change for an adult and name change for a child. 

I changed my last name to be the same as my stepfather’s last name. Am I now adopted? 

Name change and adoption are two separate processes. Changing your last name does not mean you have been adopted by your stepfather. While you can have a name change in connection with an adoption, the reverse is not the same. Learn more about adoption.  

I’m a woman, and I’m planning on getting married soon. Do I have to take my husband’s name? 

In Maryland, a woman has the legal right to keep her birth name. Learn more about name change upon marriage. 

I got married and took my husband’s last name, but want to switch back to my previous (prenuptial) name. Can I do this? 

Yes, you have the right to go back to your previous name, even if you still married. Learn more about name change upon marriage. 

I’m getting divorced. Can I ask the court to change my last name back to my previous name? 

Yes, but there are specific procedures and deadlines you must meet if you are asking for a name change in connection with a divorce. Learn more about name change upon divorce. 

I got divorced 5 years ago. I didn’t change my name because of the hassle, but I want to go back to my previous name. Can I do that now? 

You can ask for a name change as part of a divorce proceeding, but there are certain time limitations. Learn more about name change upon divorce.