When my ex-husband married someone with a similar first name to mine, I finally decided to change my married name

• When I divorced, I kept my last name to remain connected to my son.
• After my ex-husband married a woman with a similar name, I wanted to change my name.
• Instead of going back to my maiden name, I made up an entirely new name that helped me find myself.

I easily recall the lawyer saying he could change my name as part of the divorce proceedings. But it didn't make sense for me to take back my maiden name at that time.

While my husband and I didn't choose to remain married, my son and I were still a family. I wanted to have the same name as him and keep our connection.