How do you change your last name when your ex won't sign the papers?

Answer 1

Talk to your solicitor.

You can have it arranged through the solicitor to have the divorce papers served to him personally by a bailiff. Then the bailiff will sign a document (called "Affidavit of Service") to swear that s/he served the papers to the ex.

That way you don't need a signature of acknowledgement from your ex, because a legal professional handed the papers to him physically. Once he takes the papers from the hands of the bailiff, he has acknowledged them, so the bailiff's signature of serving (Affidavit of Service) will replace the ex's signature of acknowledgement.

You can't arrange a friend to do this, because they could just be lying on your behalf, it can only be done through a legal professional to be legally acceptable.

This will enable you to change your last name without a divorce signature from an ex-husband.

Another Perspective

Your question is a bit unclear. After a divorce your ex has no say in whether you change your name. You don't need their signature. In many jurisdictions the divorce decree contains an order that allows you to resume your former name. If it's not automatically made a part of the decree it can be requested. It is better to address this issue at the tome of the divorce since returning to court to change your name at a later date will incur court costs. However, a name change is a relatively simple process. You should visit your local court and ask the clerk.