Going through a divorce in New Jersey can bring about many changes. New living situations, child custody arrangements and employment are just some of the things many people deal with after their marriage ends. For some people, changing their name is also something that comes with the territory. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether a name change is the right move.

Some people choose to keep their married name because it is easier than changing it. Many parents also keep their names so that they will not have a last name that is different from their children. When that happens, it can lead to confusion, points out the Huffington Post. However, others feel that changing their name is a great way to make a fresh start and assert their newfound independence.

In addition to the legal process of changing one’s name, there may also be additional work involved in notifying people of the modification. Friends, family, schools and employers will all need to know about the change. In addition, it may take a while for everyone to get it right so name changers should be prepared to be called the wrong surname for some length of time.

If after careful consideration a name change is in the cards, the process to do so in New Jersey is fairly simple. According to the New Jersey Courts website, as long as the divorce decree allows for the person to make a change back to their maiden name, an application can be made directly with the Social Security Administration for a new card.