When writing a letter, Is it still "Mrs" if she's divorced?

Question

or does it go back to "Ms" ? I feel stupid asking this but I really need to be doing this correctly. Thank you.

Answer 1

Always use Ms. when writing to a lady of whom you do not know their marital status.  If you're wrong, they will politely correct you.  It's better safe than sorry .  

Answer 2

If she's divorced, she's no longer a Mrs. And some women don't like the use of use of "Ms." You can always use "Dear Mary Jane"...

Answer 3

If you are ever in doubt as to a woman's marital status...use 'Ms.'  ;)

Answer 4

A divorced woman is addressed as Mrs. Sally Jones

A married woman is addressed as Mrs. Robert Jones

A widowed woman is addressed as Mrs. Robert Jones

An unmarried woman is addressed as Miss (or Ms) Sally Smith

Answer 5

Traditionally in social correspondence if Mary Jones got married to John Smith, she would become known as Mrs. John Smith as long as she remained married or became a widow.  

After a divorce, she would be known as Mrs. Mary Smith.

After the 1970s, things started changing.  Ms. became popular as the preferred address for any woman regardless of marital status.  So you'd write Ms. Mary Smith.  

However, these days, a number of divorced women are returning to given names. In that case, she'd be known Ms. Mary Jones (Smith). Also, some women keep their given names professional.  So in business she'd be Ms. Mary Smith, but socially, she might use Mrs. Mary Jones or Mrs. Mary Smith-Jones.

I'm attaching a "cheat sheet" with forms of address in corresepondence. It's from the Emily Post Institute. Hope it helps.

Of course, you can always ask the individual or someone close to her, too.

Answer 6

It's completely up to her.  You can always ask what she prefers.