Use of maiden name after annulment

[blue_onyx88 0]

I have been annulled for over 3 years now and still using my ex-husband's last name. I used it for everything but he e-mailed me and wanted to me to change my last name back to my maiden name since we are not married anymore. 

 

I will be applying for citizenship next year, so do i have to wait for my citizenship application for me to be able to use my maiden name again? OR do i have to follow the procedure of changing my last name through court and then change the rest of my id's,bank,social security and insurance? How is it going to affect on my citizenship application?

[RLA 323]

I would have thought that annulment means that legally it's as if the marriage never happened, including your name change.  It'd be best to verify that before you do anything else.  What do your court records say? 

 

If you establish that legally your last name is still your husband's then you could either go through the courts now or wait until naturalization.  Your choice.  You know you can use naturalization to change your legal name?  If you establish that with the annulment your name has already reverted back to your maiden name, legally, then you should inform the authorities right away, especially USCIS, and have them change your name on your IDs etc. 

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

4 hours ago, blue_onyx88 said:

I have been annulled for over 3 years now and still using my ex-husband's last name. I used it for everything but he e-mailed me and wanted to me to change my last name back to my maiden name since we are not married anymore. 

 

I will be applying for citizenship next year, so do i have to wait for my citizenship application for me to be able to use my maiden name again? OR do i have to follow the procedure of changing my last name through court and then change the rest of my id's,bank,social security and insurance? How is it going to affect on my citizenship application?

The first thing that you need to do is to please fill out your timeline so that we can better assist you. You can change your name now because you have the annulment paperwork. But the question I have is how long have you had your greencard and what way did you come to the USA? If it was through marriage then I am surprised you still have your greencard because you got an annulment basically meaning it never happened in the first place.

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

The name is not the issue, how can you apply for citizenship when your marriage has been annulled?  If you obtained your green card through marriage, then you are no longer eligible for that benefit.  

[Ontarkie 14,235]

It has been said on here many times over the years that Annulments does not automatically void immigration benefits. 

[Villanelle 4,122]

You dont have to change your name simply because he wants you to. You are legally entitled to the name and should only change it if its what YOU want.

 

Did the annulment paperwork state you are able to use your maiden name or would be going back to using your maiden name? If so then thats your legal name change document. You dont need to go to court. When you apply for the N400 you would simply use the maiden name. You can also change your DL and IDs right now with that paperwork. If the annulment did not give you permission to change your name back then you either need to go to court and process a name change petition or wait until you file the n400 and change your name in the oath ceremony.

 

Hope this helps. Post back any other questions you may still have.