Some women choose to return to a previous name after a divorce. If your Divorce Decree provides for the name change it significantly simplifies the process. This is why we encourage women to include the language for a name change in their Divorce Decree – even if they say they do not want to change their name at the time of the divorce. You are not required, nor can you be forced, to change your name after a divorce.
If you want to change your name, you should start by getting a new Social Security card and driver’s license.
Here is a link that outlines the process for getting a new Social Security card:
https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01981
Here is a link that outlines the process for getting a new Driver’s License:
Once you have a new Social Security card and/or driver’s license you can work on changing your name everywhere else.