Can I prevent my ex-wife from using my last name?

Splitting Up wrote:

I have an uncommon but very recognisable last name. Let’s say there’s a large corporation that also uses it. I’ve got a successful business that has my last name incorporated in its name. My wife of 14 years, who has mostly used a hyphenated last name (her maiden and mine), recently started using my name only…right before we separated. We’re likely getting divorced and I would like to keep her from using my last name. The lawyer I initially met with says this is not possible as people can call themselves whatever they want. Should I get another lawyer? I’d like to structure something in our settlement where she agrees not to use it that will be enforceable. Any advice? I use my name with pride and I hate to see her cheapening it when we’re not together.

I am Sam wrote:

Splitting Up wrote:

I have an uncommon but very recognisable last name. Let’s say there’s a large corporation that also uses it. I’ve got a successful business that has my last name incorporated in its name. My wife of 14 years, who has mostly used a hyphenated last name (her maiden and mine), recently started using my name only…right before we separated. We’re likely getting divorced and I would like to keep her from using my last name. The lawyer I initially met with says this is not possible as people can call themselves whatever they want. Should I get another lawyer? I’d like to structure something in our settlement where she agrees not to use it that will be enforceable. Any advice? I use my name with pride and I hate to see her cheapening it when we’re not together.

You can change your surname to anything, plus she is probably legally entitled to it by virtue of the marriage. Divorce doesn't revoke it.

Work it into the settlement, which might be her real angle, even if she is entitled to share of your business assets.

Splitting Up wrote:

I have an uncommon but very recognisable last name. Let’s say there’s a large corporation that also uses it. I’ve got a successful business that has my last name incorporated in its name. My wife of 14 years, who has mostly used a hyphenated last name (her maiden and mine), recently started using my name only…right before we separated. We’re likely getting divorced and I would like to keep her from using my last name. The lawyer I initially met with says this is not possible as people can call themselves whatever they want. Should I get another lawyer? I’d like to structure something in our settlement where she agrees not to use it that will be enforceable. Any advice? I use my name with pride and I hate to see her cheapening it when we’re not together.

Splitting Up wrote:

I have an uncommon but very recognisable last name. Let’s say there’s a large corporation that also uses it. I’ve got a successful business that has my last name incorporated in its name. My wife of 14 years, who has mostly used a hyphenated last name (her maiden and mine), recently started using my name only…right before we separated. We’re likely getting divorced and I would like to keep her from using my last name. The lawyer I initially met with says this is not possible as people can call themselves whatever they want. Should I get another lawyer? I’d like to structure something in our settlement where she agrees not to use it that will be enforceable. Any advice? I use my name with pride and I hate to see her cheapening it when we’re not together.

Splitting Up wrote:

I have an uncommon but very recognisable last name. Let’s say there’s a large corporation that also uses it. I’ve got a successful business that has my last name incorporated in its name. My wife of 14 years, who has mostly used a hyphenated last name (her maiden and mine), recently started using my name only…right before we separated. We’re likely getting divorced and I would like to keep her from using my last name. The lawyer I initially met with says this is not possible as people can call themselves whatever they want. Should I get another lawyer? I’d like to structure something in our settlement where she agrees not to use it that will be enforceable. Any advice? I use my name with pride and I hate to see her cheapening it when we’re not together.