Since getting divorced I would like to change my surname back to my maiden name. Do I have to do this legally or do I need a change of name document? I need to change names on things like doctors records, bank, credit cards, driving licence.:confused:

Talk to your attorney - he can put the name change request in the divorce petition and it will be done the same time as the divorce. When you get the final papers - take the original to the Social Security office to request a new card. Note well - take the original, not a copy of the decree. Same for driver's license. Other accounts, ask them if a copy of the decree will suffice. Some do not even ask for that. Once you get your name officially changed, you can make all those arrangements.

Generally, you can call yourself anything you want as long as its not done for fraudulent purposes. So you shouldn't need to do anything in the courts.

I would send a letter to each your doctors and credit cards, infoming them of the name change. For your bank and the DMV, I would visit them or their web site and look for change of name requests.