Typically, no. A certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce judgment serves as "proof" of your name change, and can be used when you register your new name with government, business and financial agencies. However, if your husband would like to change his name, or if you'd like a new last name that is completely different from either your maiden name or your spouse's name, you will be required to file a formal name change petition with the court.

There are three basic steps to having your name changed by a court. The first step is filing a petition in the proper court, along with any other required forms and paying the filing fee. The petitioner (the individual making the request) must publish notice of the petition in a local newspaper. Also, the petitioner may be required to notify specific individuals affected by the name change.

Residency: Residency in the country for a certain time prior to filing the petition (often at least 6 months) is required.

Legal grounds: A person cannot change their name in an effort to defraud any other person.

Jurisdiction: A petition for name change must be filed in the proper court, which is usually in the county where the petitioner lives.