The Do’s and Don’ts of Legally Changing your Name after Marriage

1. The Do’s and Don’ts of Legally Changing your Name after Marriage Planning to legally change your name after marriage? Here is a brief overview of the requirements and the processes involved in having your name changed. Marriage is a significant milestone in one’s life, which tends to bring about some big changes in the lifestyles of both the husband and wife. One such change pertains to the wife’s last name. Traditionally, it was customary to expect the wife to replace her maiden name with her husband’s family name, which would effectively bind her into a family unit. This is no longer the norm, and it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to retain her maiden name even after marriage. Using a hyphenated name, which includes both hers and her husband’s surname is also an oft treaded path these days. Irrespective of the couple’s decision, any change in name should be done legally and the new name must be updated on all legal documents. Jumping through legal hoops In order to change one’s name legally, one should obtain a copy of the marriage certificate from the Department of Health. Having multiple certified copies is recommended, as it allows the couple to process different forms at once. The Department of Health issues these forms at a small fee, which can vary depending on where you live.

2. The next step is to apply for a new Social Security card by filling out Form SS-5, and submitting certified copies of the marriage certificate and an ID proof. This is an important aspect of legally changing your name after marriage, and is one of the most important aspects of returning your professional life to normalcy. The agency will issue a new Social Security card in about two weeks’ time. You can contact Social Security for more information about the same at www.ssa.gov Make sure to let your employer know of your name change, so that your income is updated to the new Social Security Number, hence allowing you to get your tax refunds on time, without any hassles. Do you need a lawyer? Although the process of changing a name is deep rooted in a quandary of legal processes, you don’t actually need a lawyer to represent the case when opting to legally change your name after marriage. However, if you are uncomfortable in dealing with a huge amount of paper work, you can consider hiring help. Many institutions help you to deal with the paperwork involved in an efficient, hassle free manner. State laws and cost Filing a name change and getting it notarized will cost at least a few hundred dollars. Once you have your name changed legally, you will then have to spend a small amount on having your new marriage license with your updated name as well. State laws concerning legal name changes vary greatly; hence, an extensive research at your state government’s website, before you submit your application, is recommended. Make sure you conform to the necessary protocols, which will keep you prepared throughout the tedious process of

3. having your name changed. Intimating authoritative bodies of your name change Once your name has been successfully updated, the next step is to update all your legal/ personal documents to reflect your new name. The cost and the procedures involved in having your name changed on your driving license would vary from state to state. Some states require you to have your new social security number in order before you apply for a new license, while in the other states you can apply for a new license two days after you apply for a new social security number. You can also update your name on the voters list when you are at the DMV. Once you legally change your name after marriage, you will have to notify authoritative bodies about it to prevent any confusion in the future. You will have to formally intimate institutions such as-  Brokers/ insurance agents  Utilities providers such as water, electricity etc  Your bank  Federal/ local agencies you are affiliated with  US postal services Don’t be impulsive Although it is important to let your peers know about your new name, do not do it in haste. Wait until you get the official paper work from the court before you tell everyone. This includes changing your name on your social media profiles as well. Waiting for the official confirmation will help prevent any confusion and will make for seamless transition from one name to another.

4. Pay heed to any travel plans You need to take any immediate plans of travel into consideration when updating your passport. The name on your passport should match the name on your tickets. Some airlines also ask for your credit card/ license, etc, to verify your identity. The name on these cards should also match with the one on your passport. However, if you are unable to finalize your name change before your trip, you can use your existing name for your travels and go through with the process of legal name change once you get back. If you have planned a honeymoon, it is best to wait until you take that trip before you consider changing your name. This will allow you to make the necessary changes on your existing documents without having to worry about a time constraint. Name changes for non-citizens Non-citizens can have their names changed as long as they are legally entitled to reside in the country, and have a valid marriage certificate. An American authority need not issue this certificate, but it has to be translated into English if it is in a different language. If you hold a green card, then you have to apply for an update before you apply for a name change. Once you have your name changed by the court, it is your responsibility to have it updated in all your government records. You should also contact your respective embassy to have your name updated in your home country as well. Many countries will recognize an American marriage certificate, which makes it easy to update your official records in your home country. If this is not allowed by your country, then you need to get in touch with the

5. appropriate authorities at the embassy and follow their instructions. Legally changing your name does not have to be as daunting as people make it out to be. With the right guidance and a little effort on your part, you can easily adopt a hyphenated surname as your own. So, what would you rather go for? In case you are opting for a name change, then it is a good idea to go as per the processes mentioned above. Very soon, you will be basking in the glory of your new, married name. For more information visit: https://www.hitchswitch.com/Legally-Change-Your-Name