In Illinois, you can keep your married name after divorce, and your children’s last names will stay the same unless a court orders otherwise. Some parents choose to return to a maiden name, while others keep their married name so they share a last name with their children. If you have questions about this or any other aspect of ending your marriage, a Naperville, IL divorce lawyer can offer advice and service rooted in experience.
Why Do Some Parents Choose To Keep Their Married Name After Divorce?
The most common reason parents keep a married name after divorce is the desire to have the same last name as their children. Sharing a last name can reduce confusion in schools, medical settings, and community activities. It also helps children feel a sense of stability during a time of transition.
Some professionals may keep their married name for career reasons. If you have built a reputation or business under your married name, changing it could create unnecessary challenges. Others simply feel that their married name has become part of their identity, and giving it up is not the right choice for them.