N-400 Name Issue...?

[Jamericanlove 31]

Hi VJ'ers. I haven't posted in a very long time but find myself returning to VJ for more of the helpful info I've received here since the beginning of my journey.

First, an update...sadly, after over 4 years together and circumstances that made it impossible for us to continue, my ex and I parted ways and are now divorced. It's been over a year since then and I've decided to go through with the final stage of immigration and submit my Application for Naturalization when I become eligible this summer.

Now for my question...

The divorce decree stipulates that my current legal name is once again my maiden name, however I was married before seeking immigration benefit so all my documents including my passport, drivers license, credit and bank cards, etc are in my married name. I never changed any of them because I want everything to match my permanent resident card, which is also in my married name. To be honest, the cost in both time and money to change the PR card and the countless other documents is too high for me at the moment as a newly single woman making ends meet on her own.

I'm looking over the N-400 form and see that in the first section they ask for:

a. Your current legal name.

b. The name on your permanent resident card.

c. Other names used.

d. If you want your name legally changed.

I seeking clarification on how to fill this section out. Should I do this...

a. X Y Maiden

b. X Y Married

c. Blank, since I've only used the two previous names in my life?

d. No? Since the divorce decree already changed my name legally.

Is putting my maiden name on the form and sending in a copy of the decree in the packet sufficient to cover having my maiden name used on the certificate of citizenship?

OR

Do I have to use my married name on parts 1a and b of the form, my maiden name in part 1c and choose Yes for part 1d and put my maiden name there for the name change?

It's a bit confusing and I want to make sure I do it correctly. Any help would be appreciated and good luck to you in the rest of your journey.

[NickD 203]

in effect your current legal name is your maiden name for part 1A, B, and C should be self evident and bring in your divorce papers.

Wife's wasn't exactly a divorce situation, but was using her maiden and married name together. just dropped that maiden name and filled in her married name only in part 1A, its really not changing your name like in part D.

Really the only major expense for name changes is with the USCIS, SS and banks do that for free and the DMV only charges a modest fee.

[Jamericanlove 31]

Thanks for your advice Nick. I'll just wait till after Naturalization in a few months and change everything in one fell swoop with the certificate.

[Jamericanlove 31]

Another part to my original question...

If I use my maiden name as my current legal name and put my married name in other names used, in part 11 should I sign using my married name? I just want clarification on this since every document I have currently have has my married name and signature on it I'm figuring I should use this and then at the interview specify that I'd like to use my maiden name and signature on my citizenship documents.

Do you think that's o.k., or are you required to sign with the name you used as your current legal name?

Sorry if this seems obvious, I just want to make sure I have it right.

[Jamericanlove 31]

Bump!