Change of surname to maiden name after divorce

Divorce is not only the end of family life, but also the beginning of a new stage for both parties.

One of the important decisions that can arise after a divorce is the return of one’s maiden name. However, this process can be quite complex and requires careful compliance with all legal requirements.

In this article, we will consider the legal aspects of this process in Ukraine.

According to the legislation of Ukraine, it is possible to change the surname both during the divorce and after the completion of this process:

• During divorce

If the desire to change the surname arises during the divorce process, the relevant application can be submitted simultaneously with the application for dissolution of marriage to the RACS body. In this case, the process of changing the surname will be included in the divorce procedure, which may simplify it somewhat.

• After the divorce

If the decision to change the surname is made after the divorce procedure is completed, the application for the surname change must be submitted separately. This can be done at any time after receiving the divorce certificate, without a time limit for submitting such an application.

Stages of surname change

• Submission of an application to the DRATSS

If the desire to change the surname arises during the divorce process, the corresponding application can be submitted to the DRATSS together with the application for divorce. The application must be submitted in person or through a proxy. If the decision to change the surname is made after the divorce, the application should be submitted separately.

• Preparation of documents

When submitting an application to the DRATS body, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Passport of a citizen of Ukraine.
2. Certificate of divorce.
3. Birth Certificate.
4. Certificate of residence.
5. Identification code.

• Notarization of documents

Notarization of documents may be required to confirm the applicant. This includes notarized copies of all submitted documents.

• Examination of the application by the DRATS authority

After submission of all necessary documents, the DRATSS body considers the application within the term established by law. In some cases, this process may be delayed due to the need for additional checks or the provision of additional documents.

• Obtaining a new birth certificate

After approving the application, the DRATS authority issues a new birth certificate with the changes made. This certificate is an official confirmation of the change of surname.

• Replacement of documents

After receiving a new birth certificate, all personal documents must be replaced, including:

• Passport of a citizen of Ukraine

1. Contacting the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) unit: The first step is to contact the State Migration Service of Ukraine (SMS) unit at your place of residence or registration.
2. Procedure: After submitting the documents, the passport with the old surname will be withdrawn, and you will be issued a new passport with the updated surname. The procedure lasts from 10 to 30 days.

• Driver’s license

1. Contacting the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine: You need to contact the nearest service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
2. Procedure: After submitting the documents, you will receive a new driver’s license with a new name. The procedure usually lasts several hours.

• Bank cards

1. Contacting the bank: You need to contact the branch of your bank.
2. Procedure: After submitting documents, the bank will carry out a procedure for replacing cards and updating information in its systems. The process can take from a few hours to a few days, depending on the bank.

•  Real estate and car documents

1. Contacting the state registers: You need to contact the state authorities that register real estate and vehicles.
2. Procedure: After submitting the documents, the relevant state authorities will make changes to the registers, updating the data about the owner. The procedure can take from several days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.

Given the complexity of the legal process of changing a surname after a divorce, it is recommended to contact professional lawyers.

Law firm “Prikhodko and Partners” offers qualified assistance in solving this issue.