How do I change my name after my Georgia divorce?

In Georgia, it is fairly simple to restore your maiden name after a divorce. Specifically, Georgia law states that “[i]n all divorce actions, a party may pray in his pleadings for the restorationof a maiden or prior name.” OCGA §19-5-16. This means that you can request the name change in your Complaint for Divorce, or in your Answer to your spouse’s Complaint for Divorce. If thedivorce is granted, the Final Judgment and Decree of Divorce “shall specify and restore the party the name so prayed for in the pleadings.” Id. Thus, the trial court is required to grantthe name change if it is properly requested.