For most of the following assignments, you will need to examine your state statutory code. You may also need to check opinions written by your state courts.

a. When a woman marries in your state, does she have to take her husband’s name?

b. After a divorce, how can a woman change her name to her maiden name?

c. Make a list of three different administrative agencies situated in your state that require some kind of application to be filled out (e.g., for a driver’s license, for state employment, for food stamps, for workers’ compensation).

When Alice Kelly marries Peter Burke on March 1, 2001, she takes the name Alice Burke. On June 15, 2001, she wants to apply for benefits at the three agencies you selected. She wants to apply as Alice Kelly. Can she? Assume that she and Peter separate on June 1, 2001, and that she thinks she may divorce him someday. Contact each agency to find out if she can apply in her maiden name.

d. Prepare a flowchart of all the steps that an individual must go through to change his or her name in your state through the appropriate statutory procedure. (See General Instructions for the Flowchart Assignment in Appendix A.)

e. Assume that you want to change your name. Pick a new name. Draft all the necessary court papers to acquire your new name via the statutory procedure outlined in the flowchart prepared in part (d).

f. Mary Jones marries Tom Smith in your state. Her name then becomes Mary Smith. They have one child, Paul Smith. Tom abandons Mary. Can Mary have Paul’s name changed to Paul Jones in your state? Assume that Paul is five years old and that Mary does not want to bring a divorce proceeding against Tom.