When he left the first thing I wanted was my maiden name back. After the divorce was final I had so much to deal with that the last thing I wanted to do was to contact all of the banks, credit card companies, etc. again to change my name. I decided to keep my married name. I don't have any children, so it isn't for them. It is easier for me and easy is what I need right now. In the future I may change my name, but not now. It is also much easier in my professional life. I don't have to explain the divorce to business associates. That is one area that can be an escape from the divorce. A name change would bring alot of questions that I don't need to talk about at work.

Hello,
I was married for 18 years when ex decided to divorce me. I couldn't stand carrying a name of a man who not only broke his vows before God and family but to me. I had no hesitation of taking my maiden name back. Besides, my maiden name is prettier than my married name. So it was easy choice. We have one child. My son kept his dad's last name. I'm much happier being addressed with my maiden name. I couldn't imagine carrying my ex's last name as if nothing happened. I too built my career with my married name but I would never carry his last name after what he has done to our marriage. This is just my opinion.
Kyra

If you have built a professional career on that name, sounds like you may want to keep it. I am still debating this one. I always liked my maiden name better. As for the kids thing. There was actaully a segment on the Today show talking about how kids these days really aren't that confused by their mom having a different name. It's pretty normal these days.

I'm with storm on this one. No kids, but I carrie dhis name for 25 years and I ma not angry with him, just sad at how things worked out. So I am keeping his name, with respect for him and for the good times we once had.

Hi. I am divorced 7 months, seperated 2 years. For a long time I to would not have wanted to be associated with my Maiden name. But thats a long story. My Parents are dead now, and my attitude has changed. I cant stand the thought of carrying my Married name, from a man i have been abused by for 24 years. Mostly emotional abuse in his case. Im 51, and this is my second marriage. my first husband died. I look at it as coming full circle. im right back where i started. I took back my Maiden name. I feel freer somehow thats hard to explain. Its a hastle somewhat to get everything changed back, DL's, ect. but it wasnt as difficult as I thought. Im happy with my decision to carry on once again my family name and roots. I sure dont want to carry on his. My three sons all adults now, was adopted by him when we married. They too want to go back to their natural fathers name. I guess that doesnt say much for my Ex.

Hi. I am divorced 7 months, separated 2 years. For a long time I to would not have wanted to be associated with my Maiden name. But that's a long story. My Parents are dead now, and my attitude has changed. I cant stand the thought of carrying my Married name, from a man I have been abused by for 24 years. Mostly emotional abuse in his case. I'm 51, and this is my second marriage. my first husband died. I look at it as coming full circle. I'm right back where I started. I took back my Maiden name. I feel freer somehow that's hard to explain. Its a hassle somewhat to get everything changed back, DL's, ect. but it wasn't as difficult as I thought. I'm happy with my decision to carry on once again my family name and roots. I sure don't want to carry on his. My three sons all adults now, was adopted by him when we married. They too want to go back to their natural fathers name. I guess that doesn't say much for my Ex.

Hi. I am divorced 7 months, separated 2 years. For a long time I to would not have wanted to be associated with my Maiden name. But that's a long story. My Parents are dead now, and my attitude has changed. I cant stand the thought of carrying my Married name, from a man I have been abused by for 24 years. Mostly emotional abuse in his case. I'm 51, and this is my second marriage. my first husband died. I look at it as coming full circle. I'm right back where I started. I took back my Maiden name. I feel freer somehow that's hard to explain. Its a hassle somewhat to get everything changed back, DL's, ect. but it wasn't as difficult as I thought. I'm happy with my decision to carry on once again my family name and roots. I sure don't want to carry on his. My three sons all adults now, was adopted by him when we married. They too want to go back to their natural fathers name. I guess that doesn't say much for my Ex.

Hi. I am divorced 7 months, separated 2 years. For a long time I to would not have wanted to be associated with my Maiden name. But that's a long story. My Parents are dead now, and my attitude has changed. I cant stand the thought of carrying my Married name, from a man I have been abused by for 24 years. Mostly emotional abuse in his case. I'm 51, and this is my second marriage. my first husband died. I look at it as coming full circle. I'm right back where I started. I took back my Maiden name. I feel freer somehow that's hard to explain. Its a hassle somewhat to get everything changed back, DL's, ect. but it wasn't as difficult as I thought. I'm happy with my decision to carry on once again my family name and roots. I sure don't want to carry on his. My three sons all adults now, was adopted by him when we married. They too want to go back to their natural fathers name. I guess that doesn't say much for my Ex.

I guess I go against the norm. I have kids and took back my maiden name. My mom used to say that moms shouldn't do that, but I just couldn't help myself. I didn't really want to be associated with his father. I am much more proud of my own father's name. If anything ever happens to my ex-, I'd like to change my kids names too actually.

As for a professional career, I work with lots of women who have gone back to their maiden names and it really doesn't take that long for other people to get used to.

It's just a personal preference I guess.