Hello I am recently divorced and am trying to change back to my maiden name. Unfortunately, I was not in the country when the divorce went ...

Question

Hello I am recently divorced and am trying to change back to my maiden name. Unfortunately, I was not in the country when the divorce went through and so wasn't able to stipulate a name change. I am living/working out of the country right now and the county clerk (where I got my divorce decree) says I can't get it done there because I don't live there any more. But another person says I can, so I'm getting conflicting information. It would be easier if I could get it done where I'm currently living (South Korea), but is it possible? Or do I need to get it done in the States? Thanks

Answer

The question really pertains to residency. If you are in the military, that's no problem because your legal residence is the county you are from. If you are temporarily in Korea but have no intention of staying there and you still intend that your home is in whatever county it is in Iowa, I think it could be done remotely if you have not given up your residency. Evidence of that would be filing an Iowa income tax return or owning property.

You would however have to sign the petition in front of a notary public before it is filed. Iowa Code chapter 674 gives you all the needed information.