Key Takeaways
- Requesting a name change during the divorce is faster than filing afterward.
- Update Social Security first, then the driver’s license, then the passport and remaining accounts.
- Arkansas ranks among the states with the highest divorce rates, so this process is common locally.
Steps For Changing Your Name After a Divorce in Arkansas
Many Arkansans finalize a divorce and decide they no longer want a former spouse’s last name. Census Bureau data show Arkansas ranks among the states with the highest divorce rates in the country, at roughly 11.9 divorces per 1,000 married women each year. For Fayetteville and Washington County residents, restoring a former name does not have to be complicated. This step-by-step guide from the Arkansas divorce lawyers at Wilmoth Law Firm walks you through the process.
Step 1: Request the Change During Your Divorce
If the divorce is not yet final, the simplest path is asking the court to restore a former name inside the decree itself. Arkansas law allows a name change request within the divorce filing, avoiding a separate proceeding later.
Step 2: File a Post-Decree Petition, if Needed
If a name change was not requested during the divorce, a separate petition must be filed with the Circuit Court of Washington County.
Petitions are filed at the Washington County Circuit Clerk’s Office:
280 North College Avenue, Suite 302
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701,
Phone: 479-444-1538.
The Domestic Relations Division can be reached at 479-445-6397. A judge reviews the petition and, in most cases, issues an order restoring the former name.
Step 3: Obtain Certified Copies of the Order
Once approved, request several certified copies of the order from the Circuit Clerk. Agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Finance and Administration will not accept photocopies, so request three to five copies at once.
Step 4: Update Your Social Security Card
Visit the Social Security office serving Fayetteville:
2153 East Joyce Boulevard
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703
Phone: 800-772-1213
Bring a certified decree, a completed Form SS-5, and proof of identity. An appointment is now required for in-person visits.
Step 5: Update Your Driver’s License
After the Social Security card updates, allow at least 48 hours before visiting the Arkansas Revenue Office.
The Fayetteville Revenue Office is located at:
3086 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704
Phone: 479-442-7691
Bring the updated Social Security record, certified decree, and current license.
Step 6: Update Your Passport and Voter Registration
Passport holders should submit the appropriate application, along with a certified decree, to the United States Department of State. Voter registration can be updated online through vote.gov.
Step 7: Notify Banks, Employers, and County Records
Visit local bank branches, update City of Fayetteville utility accounts, and change the name on any mortgage or title.
Property owners should confirm county tax records are correct at the Washington County Assessor’s Office, Washington County Courthouse:
280 North College Avenue, Suite 250
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Name Changes
Do I need a lawyer for the name change process?
No, but a lawyer reduces the likelihood of delays, particularly when the original decree did not include a name change request.
How long does a name change take?
If requested during the divorce, the change is effective once the decree is signed. A post-decree petition typically requires a short hearing.
Can I choose a name other than my maiden name?
Arkansas divorce name changes generally restore a former or maiden name. An entirely new name typically requires a separate civil petition.
Will a name change affect my credit score?
No. Credit history is tied to a Social Security number, not a name, though creditors should still be notified.
What about my children’s last names?
A child’s name change requires a separate petition and typically the consent of both parents or a court finding of best interest.
Ready to Get Started With Restoring Your Former Name After Your Divorce? Contact an Experienced Arkansas Divorce Lawyer at Wilmoth Law Firm
If you are ready to restore your former name or need help finalizing divorce paperwork, contact an Arkansas divorce lawyer at Wilmoth Law Firm today. To schedule a free consultation, call 479-443-8080 or contact us online. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we gladly serve clients throughout the state.