Hey, Claire, I kept my married name, in part for the hassle, in part for the kids... And there ARE moments I wished I'd changed it back. But my maiden name is extremely common -- like, Smith common -- and I liked having something a bit less common. Also, I have had my married name 18 years. Everything I've achieved in my adult life except my undergraduate degree was in that name.
Fwiw, the only people I know who changed their names back (while having kids) had extremely contentious divorces. And changing it required explaining to the kids.
For your email, I wouldn't say "d will like her," I'd say "thanks for letting me know." I think it's a little much showing that kind of enthusiasm and you don't have to put yourself through that. He doesn't need your opinion on d's reaction to the Gf.
Divorce is unpleasant. You didn't want one and he did so by definition he's not being reasonable if he asks one thing of you. But when it comes down to it, if you trust your lawyer, that's the only opinion that matters. Nobody else's counts. How you feel should be honored as you navigate this transaction.
I will be so happy for you when this is done. It's been hanging over you for far too long. Stand strong, Claire, the end is in sight!
Me42, H40 D12, S8, S7 A revealed: 7/13 Sep 4/14; Agreed to D 1/15
