A Simplified Name Change Checklist After Marriage

Changing your name after marriage is an intensive and engaging process. The many requirements including documents and court appearances are likely to leave you confused on what you need or what you are yet to do. Here is a simplified name change checklist to guide you through the process and make it both stress free and fast. If fact, by using this checklist, you will have the new name approval in a flash even without seeking the assistance of agents.

1. Obtain Certified Marriage Certificate Copies

Many people waste time or have their petitions declined because the copies they file are not certified but plain photocopies. The certified copy should be obtained from the office or agency where your marriage was officiated. Since the certified copy will not be returned to you, several copies will do you good. Having multiple copies will allow you to file petitions with different institutions at the same time which hastens the overall process.

2. Head to the Social Security Administration first

Social Security Administration is regarded as the first stop because you must use your correct name and identification details for taxation and retirement benefits computations and administration. If there is a mismatch in the details you provide, your tax returns will be declined. You will also not receive social services if the names differ. This is why a visit to Social Security Administration tops the name change checklist. 

Institutions such as banks, insurance, utility, etc use your Social Security card and details on it as prove of identity. As such, it will be difficult to transact under a different name on these institutions. You will be required to provide evidence that you have changed your identity. At the Social Security office, you are required to fill Form SS-5 to enable you obtain a new card indicating the new name. With the Social Security notified, Internal Revenue Services will also receive the notification. 

3. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle

The Social Security card and driving license play the crucial roles of identification. As such, if your new name appears on these two documents, it will be easier for you to prove the name and have it changed on other documents. A stop at the Department of Motor Vehicle also allows you to update your details on the voter’s register. Beyond that, you will notify the department about the new name so that details of your vehicle registration can be updated. This makes this stop very important and especially allowing you to update several institutions in a single visit. With a new driver’s license, you are ready to effect changes on other institutions. 

4. Work Records and Social Benefits

Your employer will be remitting money to you on regular basis. To access the money, your personal details must tally with what is known or held by different institutions. Further, you need to maintain integrity and consistent identity at work. Notify your employer so that your records can be updated. 

The notification should also be sent to any institution that handles your benefits from employment. The clients you serve will also receive an update of your new identity. Some might not recognize the new name if you use it without prior notice from your employer. If your insurance is provided by the employer, he will need to notify the institution of changes in name. All other institutions that provide social benefits should also be notified. 

5. Next Should be the Bank

This is one of the updates where you have to appear in person. Considering that banks are dealing with money, you identity will be very important. Notify the bank and provide evidence that you have changed your name. The same notification should be provided to credit institutions and SACCOs. This enables them to recognize you and allow transactions without hindrances. If you appear at the bank or Sacco office with a different ID document, you can be sure that you will not access your money. Even an agent might not help you effect these changes unless under very special circumstances. 

Other credit organizations and platforms like credit and debit card issuers must be notified. Unless you notify your credit provider, different details will emerge when performing checks. This will lead to suspicion and in fact failure to obtain services. Credit reporting agencies will be informed by the creditors. Within months of notification, your statements will reflect the new name. 

There are other people and institutions in the name change checklist that need to get the notice as soon as possible. The mortgage company or your landlord should be notified as soon as possible. If you have other insurance cover providers, inform them of your new identity. Inform the passport office and make necessary changes if need be. Your attorney needs to update your legal documents and thus must be notified. Professional bodies and alumni organization also need to get the notice. 

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Options When You Need to Change Name to Married Name

It is always exciting to change name to married name immediately after your wedding. This helps you adapt to the new status easily and appreciate the bond you share. It sounds easy to just adapt a new name. However, the process is not that simple or straightforward. Here are the options you need to consider when to ensure that your decision is satisfactory into the future.

Maintain Your Original Name

This is the easiest and most convenient option. Maintain the name you were given at birth and that which is captured in all your documents. This will save you the trouble of endless paperwork and trips to the Social Security as well as Department of Motor Vehicle offices. It allows you to enjoy your post marriage days.

This is a viable option for people who have built professional careers using their names. For instance, if you are a doctor who is known by your name, migrating your credentials when you change name to married name will be a challenge. However, if you do not change the name, this hustle will be eliminated. It enables you to maintain a professional appeal without having to antagonize your customers to adapt the new identity. If you are following a family lineage of achievements in sports, medicine, art, etc, the linkage is likely to get lost. Maintain the original name for own benefit and to avoid a lot of disruption.

Adapt the Name of Your Spouse

It is traditionally common for a lady to take the name of the husband after marriage. In fact, this is an option taken by many people. To effectively adapt the name of your spouse, you should approach the department of Social Security in your area. The document that is required by the Social Security office is a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You should obtain the certified copy from the office or officer who officiated your marriage. You do not need to visit the office in person. Request to have the certificate mailed. It helps to obtain several certified copies because you can lounge your request on several offices simultaneously. The fees paid to obtain certified copies depend on your state. It will also depend on whether you will collect it or have it mailed. There are people in the society like service men whose processing fees are waived.

Name change will take place at the Social Security office. Though the services are free of charge in most cases, you are required to fill Form SS-5 which captures your personal details. Should you choose to mail the form, you must include a certified copy of your marriage certificate and ID. If you got married more than two years ago, the officer might require you to provide additional details. A new SS card will be delivered in two weeks if there are no issues with your application. All the documents you provide will be returned.

Notify all the relevant persons in your life about the change in name. They include your employer, banker, Posta, utility service provider, etc. The Department of Motor Vehicle should be notified to enable processing of a new driver’s license with the new name. This is a visit you might have to make in person. Take the opportunity to update vehicle ownership and registration details, voter details and maybe the image on your license. The new license will cost you several dollars depending on your state. Only a few states allow a man to follow the maiden name change procedure. In almost all state, a man is required to follow the legal name change which involves filing a petition in court.

Take the Name Legally But Maintain Your Original Name Professionally
Friends will know about your new status and will most likely refer to you by it. However, it will be challenging to inform all your professional associates about the change in identity and make them understand. The solution becomes to maintain your professional identity despite changing your name legally. This gives you a cushion to gradually and continuously adapt the new identity.

This is a bit challenging and might be confusing even to you. People might come looking for you in the office only to learn that you operate using a different name. The confusion only lasts a while and then disappears. People slowly adapt to the new name and identity if you allow them to do so.

The option of adding the name other than changing it is also viable. Even when associates and clients realize that you have a new name, they will recognize it from your many names. To avoid the hustle when you want to change name to married name, enlist the services of a professional agent. At a small fee, your name will be changed in all documents and institutions, allowing you to enjoy the new identity.

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The Process of Name Change after Divorce

An adult is at liberty to change his or her name anytime after marriage or divorce. Legal name change after divorce is only necessary if you had adopted the name of your husband or wife legally. Remember that the names of children do not change because of marriage. However, for a man or woman, the marriage ceremony is enough evidence for name change. However, when the union is no more and you need to get rid of the acquired name, the law requires you to complete a legal name change process.

Include the Request in the Petition

This is one of the shortcuts you use to change your name during divorce. The success of this endeavor will depend on requirements in your state. The idea is that as the court decrees the divorce, it will also grant your name change request.

File the request for name change alongside your divorce petition. The court clerk will direct you on the forms that need to be filled and the proof or attachments that are required. Each state has a different process for name change after divorce. However, these processes are fairly similar and only differ slightly. Ensure that the application form is filled in entirety to avoid delays. If you need assistance filling the form, consult the court clerk for guidance. When the divorce is finalized and the decree captures a successful name change, you can use the documents to change the name on other platforms.

Social Security Card

The social security office is your next best stop when changing your name. With the court order, you have substantial proof and justification. You need to obtain a form for application of social security card from your nearest social security office. The form can also be downloaded from their website. There are documents that must accompany the social security application. One of them is the decree by the court for divorce and name change. You will need a certified copy of the decree which can be obtained where the divorce was filed and granted. You will be required to provide proof of identity as well as age. Present a copy of your birth certificate as proof of age. However, your birth certificate will not be accepted as proof of identity. A copy of your passport or drivers license will do as proof of identity.

The Social Security application form captures general information like your current address and name. It must be completed in a legible manner. The form is either mailed or delivered to the office if your case demands that. Ensure that you attach all the documents indicated on the social security website to ease the process of approval. It should take between seven and fourteen days to have the new social security card including the changes made.

Driving License

Name change on the drivers license is done at the Department of Motor Vehicle. You will need the divorce decree that captures approval of name change. Most states require you to fill a particular form that captures your old and new details. The requirements vary from one state to the other. The fees also differ depending on state.

Passport

Passports are crucial and sensitive traveling documents where discrepancies could be a serious cause of trouble. If you need to change your name, you have to apply for a new passport. However, the process of getting a new one depends on the duration you have had the old one. The forms for a passport that is less than a year old and those of a form that is more than a year are different. However, both forms must be accompanied by the divorce decree that allowed change of name and your current passport. You also need a passport photo to accompany the application. The forms can be downloaded from the government website and sent to the passport office after filling. You will need to pay to get a new passport.

Changing the Name after Divorce

This means that you wait for the divorce decree to be released after which you commence the process of name change. Each state has different requirements that must be met. You need to consult the clerk to determine the documents and information that you must provide. The process is usually easier because you will be changing to a name that you previously held. The information on forms to be filled and requirements to submit is found on the website of the department. You will need to appear for the name change hearing, depending on requirements for your state. Other states require publishing of the petition on local media. It is only after the petition is granted that you approach the Social Security Administration office.

The process of name change after divorce depends on individual states. However, it is easier if you engage an agent that is experienced and understands the procedures. This will save you time and energy you would require to move around from one office to the other. It give you time to organize other aspects of your life.

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What You Require For Legal Name Change

A new status or the desire to acquire another name may push you to change it. It is possible to just adapt a name and begin to use it in business or social circles. However, this will present a challenge when you need official documents bearing the name. In other cases, people might consider you as an imposter if they know you by one name yet your documents reveal another. This makes it necessary to go through the process of legal name change.

The process differs depending on the state and sometimes the county. Each demands different documents, fees or procedure. It is therefore important to visit your local clerk or check online to get directions on what needs to be done before you embark on the process.

When you want to go through the process of legal name change, you will be required to present a reason or justification for undertaking the process. Some states just require you to fill a form and submit it for approval. In some cases, you have to appear in court in person for a hearing on the change. Other states require you to publish the old and new names on local media in case there is an objection. All these processes should be adhered to. Here are requirements if you want to change your name or that of your child.

• Court Papers- the papers request the court to change your name. These papers include a petition to have the name changed and the order in which the new names will appear. Some states require that the petition be filled and signed in front of a notary public. If the name change involves a child, the petition will need a higher justification threshold. To facilitate mailing of approval, you may be required to leave behind a business-sized and self addressed envelope.
• Proof of Identity- the court requires you to prove that the original name is yours. This could be a birth certificate or any other document that can show that you were referred by the name you wish to drop. The requirement for identity varies from one state to another.
• Court Fees- each name change process comes at a fee. The fees depend on the court you will be filling the petition, the state the court is based and the complexity of individual situation. For instance, it is more expensive to file for name change at the Supreme Court and High Court compared to filing at the civil court. There are name change petitions that may require filing at the Supreme Court while others are filed at civil courts and approved. Consult professionals in name change to know the best options for your case.
• Request for Judicial Intervention- the request is only required at the Supreme Court. As the name suggests, it happens when lower avenues have proven futile. It is only by filing the request that a judge will be assigned to your case. You will pay no fee for judicial intervention.
• As indicate on several occasions, the number of papers filed and details required will depend on the uniqueness of your situation. To ease the process, consult a professional agent who will guide you on the procedure and requirements in your jurisdiction.

Where Do You Go For Name Change?

The petition for name change is presented at the county court where live or the Supreme Court for judicial intervention. In some cases, you will be sent to Social Security Administration before heading to the other institutions and department like motor vehicle and health insurance. The destination will always depend on the uniqueness of your case.

You need to present a petition for name change whether you appear in front of a court or at the Social Security Administration office. The following information must be captured in the petition.

Justification for changing the name. The justification will be vetted and determine whether your petition will go through or not. If you are changing the name to conceal your identity because of debts or criminal liability, the petition will be declined. A name that is obscene or a racial slur will also be declined.
Legal information on conviction and judgment must be provided. Indicate the time you served and include documents to show incarceration or disposition.
Details of child or spousal support. You should provide proof that you have consistently met your obligation. This might be a ground for your petition being dismissed.
Where the petition is on changing the name of a child, the approval or details of the other parent must be presented to the court.

The fees for legal name change depend on the documents that need to be filed and where you are filing them. Engaging a professional agent dealing with name change will cost you more but the process is faster. Consult an experienced professional to know the uniqueness of your case and the easiest way to approach name change.

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Step By Step Procedure on How to Legally Change Your Name

Everyone has a right to change his or her name as long as the reason is not malicious. You may change to acquire a more pleasant sounding one, after marriage, after getting a divorce, etc. However, there are instances when you cannot be allowed to legally change your name.

• To avoid paying debts
• To commit fraud
• To avoid civil obligations like taxes

That said, you now have the freedom to embark on the legal process of changing the name. Here are simple steps that will help you acquire a new identity.

Decide on the Name

When you want to legally change your name, you must present a new one to the registration office. It could be a combination of your names if you are changing to accommodate your spouse. You may also take the name of your spouse in full. Merging two names is also allowed. However, there are restrictions on the names you cannot choose.
A name that connotes a racial slur, is abusive or incites violence cannot be accepted.
A name of a celebrity or prominent personality can only be adopted with a very high threshold to avoid confusion.
The name cannot involve numbers like 6 or 9, or punctuation marks like % or *.
To avoid confusion or having to repeat the process, you must get the spelling of your name right.

Fill Relevant Forms

The reason for name change determines the form you will fill and the requirements to submit. For instance, if you are changing after a divorce, successful petition documents or a decree will be used to initiate the process. If it is after marriage, you marriage license or a certified copy of the certificate will be required. A different form is required when correcting the name on the birth certificate. When changing for your children, you will submit different details and sign a different form.

Get the Documents Required

To change your name, you will be required to prove identity. Each state has a different approach when proving identity. The most common documents and forms you will be required to fill are;

• A Petition to Change Name form
• An order indicate the reason
• Your Social Security Card
• A Photo ID 
• A Birth Certificate

These are appropriate identification documents though they may not be demanded by all states. Furthermore, in a state like California, the processes of gender and name change are combined. This means that you only need to tick a section of the same petition to have both your gender and name changed. Each state has different requirements. Check the requirements in your state and take appropriate action.

File the Petition in the Correct Court

With all the documents required and having filled all the necessary forms, it is time to present your petition to the right court. The clerk will inspect your documents and tell you whether they meet the required criteria or not. The procedure still differs from one state to the other. Here are three examples of differing procedures from one state to the other.

• Texas, and many other states, requires you to present a written application that is notarized. This means that you have to sign in front of a notary. 
• California, and a number of others, require the original petition, fully signed, with two other copies. 
• In several other states you have to publish the intended name in the local newspaper for several weeks before it can be approved. It this happens in your state, it will affect the speed at which your desired name change can be approved.

Pay the Fees Demanded

There is no state that offers name change for free. The standard amount you should expect to pay is between $150 and $200. The fee may go up or down depending on state. California for instance requires an average of $435. There are instances where the name change can be waived. Once you have cleared the issue of fees, you will get a hearing date.

Attend Hearing Date

The hearings are usually short and routine. Carry all your original documents whose copies are filed in court. The information given must be confirmed under oath. Once the judge approves the change, you will get a decree.

You legally change your name once you receive the decree. It is time to change the name in all other official documents. Inform your bank, insurance, utility providers, lawyer, etc to avoid discrepancies. You can now officially use the new name.

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Legal Name Change and Its Different Occasions

If you are planning for a legal name change, it is worth noting that there can be several different ways to do it depending on your particular reason or occasion. While most of us know name change is a tedious procedure, it won’t need your lifetime. If you know the correct procedure and steps to follow, you will surely complete it in minimal possible time and in hassle-free manner.

Regardless of the fact that you are going to hire name change service or do whole procedure yourself, it is a good idea to have basic understanding of name change rules and processes. Events like marriage, divorce and spouse death are three most common occasions or reasons of legal name change. Let’s discuss different name change occasions one by one.

Changing last name after marriage through marriage certificate

Most brides follow the marriage convention and change their last name after marriage to accept their spouse’s surname as theirs. It is one of the most common legal name change occasions our society sees. If you are going to walk the aisle very soon, the good news is that name change procedure is slightly easier for you.

All you need is just your marriage certificate, which you can then use a valid proof of your official name change event to update your new married name at various government and non-government institutions including social security office, motor vehicle department, passport office, banks, insurance companies, postal office, employee payroll, etc.

You may not need a court order in most states. Just get some certified copies of your marriage license from the place where you had applied for marriage certificate. Remember photocopies of your marriage license will not be considered as a valid proof at most places. It is important to get 4-6 certified and sealed copies of your marriage license.

Going back to maiden name after divorce

It is entirely your decision whether you want to continue using your married name or resume your maiden name after divorce. While exact procedure for legal name change after divorce may vary in each state, it is easier to request the court, where you have filed the divorce case, to approve your maiden name restoration petition.

Once your name change petition and divorce is granted by the court, you need to collect the certified copy of the court order. You can use the court order as a valid proof of maiden name restoration for other important documents like bank accounts, social security card, driver’s license, passport and subscription.

If you somehow couldn’t added name change request during your divorce procedure, you can find out if there is any scope of requesting some addition in the court order which states you are legally allowed to use maiden name after divorce. Or you can always file for name change after any number of years of divorce.

Returning to previous name after death of spouse

Sometimes a woman prefers to return to her birth name after death of her spouse.  Here the process isn’t as straightforward as changing name after divorce. But the woman is entitled to take her decision and have all the right to go back to her maiden name. You will need to get court order or follow whatever name change laws your state has.

In some states, name change applicants need to issue a public notice and they may also need to take a date for hearing. Once your name change order is approved by the jurisdiction, get a few certified copy of it which can be presented to government and non-government agencies for name change request.

If you aren’t aware of the correct procedure and seek guidance, you can always consider hiring a professional name change agency online. They are name change experts and they know the legal name change laws for every state in the country. They can make your legal name change procedure easier and faster.

Changing first name

As similar to last name change, you will need a court order for changing first name legally. Once you receive court permission, you will be able to change first name in your birth certificate and other important documents. The name change process may involve police verification;
however you may need to enquire about your state’s laws for changing first name.

Taking a whole new last name

Every citizen of the country has legal right to change their first name, middle name or even last name, unless there is intention of getting away with criminal or offensive history. The court may demand your personal documents including your identity proof and residential proof. Once your name change request is permitted by the court, you can go ahead updating your entirely new last name in all important documents.

These are just a few of the occasions when legal name change is common occurrence. But there are a plenty of reasons why a person consider changing name legally. Got a reason to change name? Hire a professional name change service online!

Maiden Name Change after Marriage – Here is What You Must Know

Every person you will meet will have different opinion about maiden name change after marriage. But their opinions shouldn’t be of matter. Being an adult individual, it is you only who get to decide if you shoul d change your birth name or not. If you don’t want to change it after marriage, it’s your right. And you can also choose your husband’s last name. In short, the decision is completely yours.

You have more options than you know

You probably think that you got only two options: either to accept your husband’s last name as yours or continue using your birth name even after marriage. But the great news is that you have some other alternatives too. Wondering what are they?

Here are all your options:

• Legally accept your spouse’s last name as yours

• Keep your birth name

• Let your spouse take your last name

• You can keep your birth name as middle name and accept your spouse’s surname as your surname

• You and your husband can have a hyphenated surname created from your last names

• You can have a whole new married name

• When name matters a lot in your profession

There are certain professions like medicine, real estate, lawyer and author where your name has a lot of importance. You have a huge work record on your name and your professional identity is strongly associated with it. It is very important to consider the consequences in your profession or career.

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