Typically, no. A certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce judgment serves as "proof" of your name change, and can be used when you register your new name with government, business and financial agencies.

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However, if your husband would like to change his name, or if you'd like a new last name that is completely different from either your maiden name or your spouse's name, most states will require you to file a formal name change petition with the court. If this describes your situation, please continue with the questionnaire.

There are three basic steps to having your name changed by a court. The first step is filing a petition in the proper court, along with any other required forms and paying the filing fee. In most states, the petitioner (the individual making the request) must publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper. Also, the petitioner may be required to notify specific individuals affected by the name change.

Residency: Most states require residency in the county and state for a certain time prior to filing the petition (often at least 6 months).

Legal grounds: A person cannot change their name in an effort to defraud any other person.

Jurisdiction: A petition for name change must be filed in the proper court, which is usually in the county where the petitioner lives.

When seeking a name change for a minor, one or both of the minor's parents usually files the petition. If only one parent is filing on behalf of the minor, the other parent's consent is often required. Complications may arise if the noncustodial parent cannot be located, is incarcerated, or lives out of town. In a minor name change, consideration is given to whether the name change is in the best interests of the minor, and issues such as custody and parental notice are carefully examined.