VA separation agreement, change of name justanotherpunk: Hi,
I am trying to do my divorce pro se but I have been caught up on a few small questions.
Do separation agreements in VA have to be notarized?
If I (the husband) files for divorce, can my wife change her last name during the divorce proceedings? From what I've read, it seems that she can't but rather she would have to do it on her own after the divorce is final. Is this correct?
Thanks for any tips.
btw, if you need forms, the Alexandria law library has a nice package.
Re: VA separation agreement, change of name twine: it is different from state to state and i am in canada so totally different for me, but in our seperation agrement i had put in it that she had to quit using my last name within 30 days and have it legally changed within 90 days, and that is doable here in canada, and dosn't cost much at all. So now when we are divorced in two months i won't have to see her using my last name when she sighns it.
Re: VA separation agreement, change of name turning leaf: [quote author=justanotherpunk link=topic=35101.msg369860#msg369860 date=1159117081">
Do separation agreements in VA have to be notarized?
If I (the husband) files for divorce, can my wife change her last name during the divorce proceedings? From what I've read, it seems that she can't but rather she would have to do it on her own after the divorce is final. Is this correct?
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ALL agreements that have both your signatures in it MUST and SHOULD be notarized to protect both YOUR interests, especially concerning money & custody.
She can go back to her maiden name after your divorce is FINAL. Social Security Office and DMV will require the final judgement aka divorce papers signed by the judge.
Re: VA separation agreement, change of name justanotherpunk: Just as a follow up. Having now gone through the process, I agree Turning Leaf's answers. Thanks again.
I did consult with a lawyer for an hour. He just looked through the paperwork that I had typed up. It worked out really well and the actual court appearance was really easy and quick. Although because I did it pro se, it was odd having to testify to all the facts of the case without someone asking prompting questions.
Re: VA separation agreement, change of name tara: [quote author=twine link=topic=35101.msg369862#msg369862 date=1159118435">
it is different from state to state and i am in canada so totally different for me, but in our seperation agrement i had put in it that she had to quit using my last name within 30 days and have it legally changed within 90 days, and that is doable here in canada, and dosn't cost much at all. So now when we are divorced in two months i won't have to see her using my last name when she sighns it.
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That amazes me that you can actually force her to change her name (even if it is from your last name to her previous name).
In WI, it is entirely up to either party to change his or her name (or not) at the time of a wedding or a divorce. (At the time of a divorce, you can only change your name to one you've held previously -- if you want a new name altogether, you need to do a separate name change, but it is still your individual decision.)
