Should You Consider taking Your Partner’s Last Name before getting married?

If your wedding is around the corner, then you’ve already thought about what will happen to your name. “Should I change my name after marriage?” is a common question among many brides. 

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Is There A Time Limit To Change Your Name After Marriage In California?

After a lot of hectic preparations, anxiety, anticipation, and fear, the wedding day comes as a relief for every couple. Planning a wedding is one of the most emotionally and physically draining experiences you can go through. But if you thought the wedding day ushers you to newlywed bliss, you are wrong. There’s still that small but important matter of a legal name change after marriage. 

Many newlyweds only realize how important a name change is after the wedding and it causes a lot of problems. If you are a resident of California and you are in the process of planning your wedding, it is important to appreciate the complexities around a name change after marriage.

Traditionally, married women change names after marriage to reflect their new status. However, things have changed and even the husband can change their name during this process. True, the wedding planning has drained your energies but this is an important chore you can’t ignore. 

What’s the Time Limit for a name change in California? 

For most spouses, a name change is not a priority. After all, it is not mandatory to change a name after marriage. In California, there’s no legal time limit to change your name. However, this does not in any way lessen the importance of a name change. 

To appreciate how important it is to change your name fast, you have to look at the name change process and legalities surrounding this process. It will give you an idea of why a name change should top your list of activities after the honeymoon. 

The Name Change after Marriage in California 

• Name Change Options 

A newlywed couple in California has the freedom to do whatever they wish with their names after marriage. The options available include:

1. Choosing your spouse's last name: This is the traditional option and remains popular in the state 
2. Hyphenation: This is a compromise when a married woman doesn’t want to drop her name for professional or personal reasons. 
3. Blending: You can come up with a hybrid name by combining components of your names. 
4. Middle name changes: A married woman can take her maiden name as a second middle name. She can also drop the middle name and replace it with a maiden name. In California, this name change option will require a court petition. 
5. Husband’s name change: In California, the husband can change his name to accommodate the needs of his wife. 

While the law allows you to change your name in any way you wish, there are limits on new names. For instance, you can’t use a celebrity’s name or pick an offensive name. 

It is advisable to discuss the name change after marriage in detail before the wedding.  If overlooked, this can lead to disagreements in late in the wedding planning stages. Learning about the process will give you the options available. It is a good idea to use name change service after marriage to streamline the process and get crucial advice at every stage. 

The Name-Change After Marriage Process

Using a marriage certificate is the most common method for a name change in California. It is the easiest option for a legal name change. The process involves: 

1. Applying For A Marriage License

A marriage license is a document that allows the marriage to continue. You have to visit the local authorities for one or get one from state agencies such as churches and mosques.  When applying for the license, you have to indicate the new name you wish to use after marriage. 

2. Get a marriage certificate

After the wedding, you will receive a marriage certificate which is a legal document containing your new name. The names reflect what you used when applying for your marriage license. 

3. Certified copies of a marriage certificate

When collecting your marriage certificate, request for several certified copies of the document. These will come in handy when you start sending notifications of the name change. 

4. Apply for a new social security card (SSD)

The first thing you do after your honeymoon is to visit the local Social Security Office or download Social Security SS-5 form to apply for a new social security card. Fill out the form and attach you the certified copy of the marriage certificate, proof of identification and residency and the old social security card. Your new card will arrive via mail. 

5. Visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

After applying for a new social security card, visit the local DMV for a new driver’s license. You will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your old driver’s license, the application slip for the social security card, proof of residence and any other required documents.

6. Update your travel documents

After the honeymoon, you should update your passport or any other travel paper you normally use. You will require a certified copy of the marriage certificate, passport photos, and any other required documents.  Fill DS-5504 if your passport is less than a year old or DS-82 if it is older. Any changes to your travel documents should only come after your honeymoon to avoid travel hitches.

7. Send name change notifications

After applying for new documents in your new name, you need to notify others about the name change.   These include your employer, bank, insurer, utility providers, creditors and debtors, Credit Card Company, family doctor and lawyer, alumni organizations, credit union, subscription services, investment account providers, voter’s registration office and any other relevant parties. 

Include a certified copy of your marriage certificate in all your notification letters or emails. 

• Using A Court Order For A Name Change In California

If you want to change anything else other than your last name after marriage in California, you have to file a petition for a name change. Married women who would like to change their middle name, for instance, have to go through this process.c

The court process takes around three months but this depends on how busy the courts are at the time. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Download the name change forms: The name change files are available on the California Courts website. These forms are 

• Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-100)
•  Attachment to Petition for Change of Name (Form NC-110)
• Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Form NC-120)
• A Civil Case Cover Sheet (Form CM-010)

In some courts, you might be required to fill out other forms such as a criminal background form.  Before starting filling out the downloaded form, confirm with the court clerk if there are any other local forms required. 

2. Fill out the forms and make at least two copies of each. Return the original forms and copies to the court clerk for filing. The court clerk will also give you a court date indicated on the Order to Show Cause form. 

3. Pay the required court filing fees 

4. Publish the Order to Show Cause in approved newspapers to alert the public. Confirm if this is necessary with the court clerk when filing the forms. You will need to submit proof of the published notice. 

5. Decree Changing Name (Form NC-130): A judge will sign this form with or without a hearing to allow your name change.  Get several certified copies of the Decree from the court clerk. 

6. Using the name change decree: Use the certified copies of the name change decree to apply for a new social security card, driver’s license, and passport.  You should also send out notifications of the name change to all institutions, utility providers and professional organizations that use your old name. 

Hassle-Free Name Change after Marriage in California 

Hopping from one government office to another and spending time in long queues is the last thing in your mind after the honeymoon. All you want to do is settle down and start your new life. You can make life easier by using a name change service after marriage.

The name change process after marriage in California is tedious and enervating. A legal name change service does the hard work for you by availing all the forms you need and instruction in one place.  You can now access all the legal steps for the name change in California and get a professional to fill out the necessary forms for you. 

Depending on the service package you choose, you can have all the files mailed to the respective offices. You only need to provide your personal details and recipient’s addresses for the process to start. While you still have to visit the local DMV, you will have all the documents with you, thus avoiding the long queues. 

These services are a godsend for newlyweds who want to relax but can’t rest until they complete the name change process.  

Wrapping Up 

While there’s no time limit to change your name after marriage in California, it is important to start the process immediately after your honeymoon. It is a long-winding process and the sooner you get it done, the better. By using a name change service, you can save a lot of time and enjoy the peace of mind that you deserve. 

Here’s Everything You Need For A Name Change After The Wedding

A name change is one of the most important, albeit overlooked tasks in a new marriage.  Most couples stumble on the need for a name change at the last minute. While the legal name change is a post-wedding process, it starts way back before the marriage.

You need to start preparing even before the big day. To set things rolling, you should identify all items in the name change checklist. 

Here you will find everything you need to get ready for this process.

1. Pick a marriage Certificate 

The marriage certificate is the single most important document in a legal name change after marriage. You should first apply for a marriage license to allow the wedding.

In this application, indicate the new name you want to use after marriage. This is the name that appears on the marriage certificate after the wedding. You should pay extra for certified copies of the marriage certificate for use later in this process.

2. New Social Security Card 

Your social security card is a critical document and contains a unique social security number (SSN). This is the number the government uses to calculate your benefits, tax refunds among other things.

According to Federal law, you have to notify the government about a change in your name and apply for a new card. This application goes through social security services.

Download the SS-5 application form or pick a copy from your local social security services. Fill the details, and provide the following:

• Proof of name change: In this case, attach a certified copy for the marriage certificate
• Proof of identity: Your current SSD card is proof enough of your identity. Other documents that can prove your identity include your driver’s license, U.S. military identification card, Employer identification card or Health insurance card.

Mail the completed SS-5 form with the necessary documents. You can also opt to drop the application at the local social security offices. After verification of the documents, you should have your new card within 14 working days.

3. Apply For A New Driver’s License 

You need a new driver’s license to reflect the name change after marriage. Download the new DL application form to save time when you visit the local DMV offices. They will take a new photo and you have to hand it the old license.

You should also have the receipt for the social security card application. Provide proof of residency, a certified copy of the marriage certificate and a processing fee set by your state.

4. Passport And Travel Document 

After your honeymoon, you need to update your travel documents. If your passport is more than a year old, fill in form DS-82.

For passports less than a year old, fill out DS-5504. For passports that expired over 5 years ago, fill out form DS-11. You can download these files from the state’s websites.

Send the completed forms with necessary proof of identity, copy of marriage certificate, a color photograph, and applicable fees.

5 Work And Employment 

You need to inform your employer about the name change, Unions and Professional Organizations and your professional website for freelancers.

6. Financial Institutions

Your bank and any other institution dealing with your finances need to know about the name change. Send notifications attaching a certified copy of the marriage certificate in each letter.

Notify your bank, creditors, debtors, Mortgage Company, your attorney, the insurance company, investment accounts among others.

7. Service Providers And Subscriptions 

Notify all service providers including your doctors, magazine subscriptions, utility providers including electric, telephones, internet, gas, water, and cable. You should also update your social media accounts.

An Easier Name Change Process

The traditional name change process after marriage is tedious. Luckily, innovative online name change solutions such as HitchSwitch now provide a timely solution.

These services handle all the hard work. They research the legal process in your state and advise accordingly.

Wrapping up

Name change after marriage is a tedious yet necessary process after the wedding. This checklist summarizes everything you need and the steps to follow.  However, it doesn’t have to be such a tedious process. You can now use online name change services to avoid the hassle.

Why’s the Number of People changing their Names Growing?

There is a growing number of people changing their names. But why is that? What are the possible reasons for which you can change your name? There has been a cultural shift in how people perceive identity. People no longer stick with a name they don’t like when the name change process is pretty straightforward.

Social media has also significantly contributed to this new trend. People have realized that they not only have control over what they’re called online; they can make it official as well.

Of course, there are also more traditional reasons like Changing Name After Marriage and Legally change your name After divorce. Brides dropping their maiden name and taking up the grooms last name has been a traditional practice since time immemorial. 

Whatever reason you have for changing your name, there is a process to it. It’s always advisable to seek professional assistance to expedite the entire process.

1. Changing Name after Marriage

This is the most familiar reason for changing your name. Even though times have changed, and some prefer to keep do it their own way, it’s still a pretty common practice. 

Before changing name after marriage, couples have to wait two weeks for their marriage certificate to come out. The entire process requires you to provide proof of marriage. 

You are advised to use a certified copy of their marriage certificate and keep the original document. 

Note that each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to this name change process. Ensure you research to find out what restrictions you should abide by. 

HitchSwitch has amazing packages to ensure you don’t go through the hassle of going from one government office to the next. This legal name change service gives you online access to all paperwork you need to Changing Name After Marriage.

2. Legally change your name after divorce

If a married couple decides to get a divorce down the line, the wife can drop her husband's last name and take back her maiden name. The wife would need a divorce decree for this to happen.

The couple will have to go for court proceedings at the county’s courthouse. A divorce decree can only be issued once the divorce is final.

A divorce decree is a legal name changing document that authorizes you to Legally change your name After divorce. You’ll need to provide it to complete several steps of your name change.

In case you want a surname different from the one indicated on the divorce decree, you’ll need to file a petition to make the necessary modifications. 

If your petition is rejected, you’ll have to go through a court-ordered name change. 

3. A Court-ordered Name Change 

For reasons other than marriage and divorce, you need a court order to proceed with your name change. This could be because you don’t like your current name, or you’ve changed your gender. Other reasons include;

• Taking up your father’s surname if you were born out of wedlock or adopted
• If you have a name that’s difficult to spell and pronounce 
• If you want to dentify with a foreign nationality
• For religious reasons
• For political or entertainment statements

Everyone is entitled to personal preference, and this includes the name they want to be known by. 

For most states you need to file your name change in court. However, there are counties where this is not necessary. Checking your state’s legal name changing laws ensures you follow the right procedure.

To get a court order, you’ll need to file a petition with the state’s court clerk. Once the petition has been approved, you can begin the name change process. You can change your name to anything you want as long as you abide by the following restrictions;

• You cannot change your name if the intention is to escape a criminal offence or evade paying a debt you owe
• Your petition cannot be approved if you’re changing your name to commit a crime 
• You cannot be allowed to take up the name of a famous person to mislead people 
• Your name should not include numbers or symbols 
• You should not take up a name that’s offensive (racial slur, threatening)

What’s next after Your New Name is Legal?

Well, once you’ve completed the entire process, you need to update all personal accounts with the new name. Below is a checklist of some of the things you should update;

• Banks and credit cards 
• Social security card 
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration
• Passport 
• Voter registration

Wrap Up

Everyone who’s contemplating a name change has their reason. This is a legal process that has specific steps to be followed. Whether you’re changing name after marriage or Legally change your name After divorce, ensure you do your research to find out the right procedure to follow. 

What is the process of reverting to your maiden name after a divorce?

After formalization of divorce through a court process, you may choose to revert to your maiden name and cease using the surname of your ex-husband. The only caveat is that you have to request the court to legally change your name after divorce. If the divorce process is incomplete, the court may choose to deny the name change. However, the reasons for this denial should be clear to the petitioner.

Important notice

You should consider your profession and career background before choosing to revert to your maiden name. If your job entailed using your family name, it might be wise to keep it. You can still choose to go back to your maiden name if you think the standpoint of your profession or business will remain unscathed after the legal change. Other considerations before making this decision include:

• Cultural background and traditional set up
• Children and their perception of the name change
• Opinions of friends and relatives

This name change can be as easy as filing an application form, but it is hard if you left it out while making the divorce decree. You should check with your divorce attorney before finalizing the dissolution of marriage. The decree should indicate that you are free to revert to your maiden name after the divorce. This legal statement will ensure that the process is affordable.

In a state such as Texas, you can request to legally change your name after divorce through a court petition. You can also answer to a petition filed by your husband in a court for divorce. The divorce decree will have the intent of the change of name after the marriage dissolution. You will apply the name change after bringing the formalized decree to the office of the county clerk.

After you plead for the legal request to change to your maiden name, you will need to follow the following procedure

1. Make a petition for the name change at the office of the county clerk. 
2. You will make this appointment by filling an intake form. The form will include information on the current residency, birth information, members of the family (children and other dependents), level of education and financial information (including bankruptcy- if relevant)
3. Make the application with the clerk in the residence county.

You will find this process easy if your attorney included the name change option in the divorce decree.    

The process is different if you did not have the option of reverting to your maiden name after the divorce decree. It consists of the following procedure:

1. File a separate action for a name change

Aside from using your attorney in drawing out the divorce papers, you will need to draft another petition for a name change. It will be costly as it will consider the legal change of your name after the divorce as a separate action from the dissolution itself. Aside from the costs, it will require time to formalize the paperwork with other agencies such as the social security office and DMV. 

2. Get fingerprints

You will submit your fingerprints to the court before the hearing of the petition. Acquisition of the fingerprints is after a background check by the FBI.

3. Give notice

You will give a new notice as this process is separate from the divorce procedure. 

4. Go to court for the hearing

You will have to set up a different court process with your attorney to request the name change back to your maiden name. This proceeding will be different from the divorce conducted earlier on. Failure to include the name change will have you establish a new legal process. 

The law does not allow the judge to deny an applicant the request to change of names on unsubstantiated grounds. You will not be denied the right to request for the name change so that you can keep the family name. In fact, the judge will not consider your business or children. 

5.Length of time taken

You may be asking the length of time it takes to legally change to your maiden name after a divorce. A period of two months (60 days) is all you need depending on the speed of acquisition of fingerprints. You will obtain them after filing the name change petition. You will also ensure the court receives the fingerprint results in time to kick start the process. 

Conclusion

Finally, there are two options that you can use to effect a name change after a divorce. It is easier to include it in your divorce decree than filing it separately.

Five Factors to Consider Before Dropping Your Ex’s Last Name

Divorce is always messy. There are many things that you have to let go, and sometimes this includes your ex’s last name. Interestingly, some people do not even think about changing their names, at least not until they get remarried.

It is perfectly okay to drop your ex’s last name, but it is easier said than done. There are several factors that you need to take into consideration should you decide to legally change your name after divorce.

What Name Will You Take On?

Now that you have decided to drop your ex’s name, have you considered what other name you will be going by? Most people revert to their maiden names. In some cases, people also forego their maiden names for names of other relatives that they may have been close to. Other’s, however, take on new names of their liking.

For instance, Kris Jenner reverted to her maiden name, Kardashian, after her breakup with her husband. On the other hand, Yolanda Foster, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, changed her name to Yolanda Hadid after her divorce.

What about the Kids?

The main reason why most women choose to keep their ex’s last names is because of the kids. They want to have the same last name as their kids, so they feel that their hands are tied. It can also be a problem if your kids’ last names are different from yours or their father’s in cases of emergencies.

However, it is also possible to change your kids’ last names to your maiden name. In most cases, however, most women simply hyphenate their kids’ surnames with their maiden names or with the surname of their new partners.

Your Friends and Family Should be Involved

The implications of changing your last name are many and significant. It is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so it is advisable to consult your family and friends about it. Their support will help you overcome any misgivings that you may have. Their insights will also be invaluable in helping you come up with a new name.

Besides the support and help, it is only right to consult your family and friends about such a significant decision. Imagine their surprise if they found out that you have a new last name! They would feel betrayed and perhaps even lose some of the trust and confidence that they may have in you.

Realize that You Have a New Identity

It is okay to want a separate identity from your ex. However, your new identity should reflect on everything. You will need to update everyone, especially service providers such as your insurer, postal service, and doctors.

It will also take some time for your friends, family members, business partners, and other people in your life to get used to your new name. As such, expect people to call you by your former name every once in a while. Do not feel offended. When this happens, however, always speak up and remind them that you have a new name now – they will eventually get used to it.

There Will be a Lot of Following Up

As mentioned, taking on a new identity comes with numerous implications. The most hectic implications are the legal ones, and sometimes there may be costly confusions. This is why it is necessary to follow up with the authorities periodically. Check in with each concerned party after several weeks to ensure that your files are updated on their end.

You will also need to follow up with your various service providers to ensure that they are onboard. Again, expect some confusion during the early days of name change after divorce.

It Doesn’t Have to be Hectic

The very thought of changing your name is stressful. Well, it doesn’t have to be – you can leave it all up to HitchSwitch. This service provider handles everything for you – all you need to do is fill a simple form with your new chosen name, and they will do the rest. All your records will be updated, including your social security number, credit cards, voter registration, driver’s license, passport, and even loyalty programs.

Conclusion

You deserve to have a separate identity from your ex, and you deserve to go by the name you choose. Should you decide to legally change your name after divorce, ensure that you consult your friends and family, update all your records, and come up with a good name.

A Summary Of How To Change Your Name Legally After Marriage

The decision to get married is life changing and so will whether to change your name after marriage or not. Getting a new Married Name helps a couple to feel as one. It also gives you a psychological sign that you have transformed into another person with new expectations.

Though you are married and your friends or family know the name of your partner, the government and other official institutions will not take the name as easily as you may think. You will be required to make a formal request for a name change and get approval. These processes take time and require you to set aside some resources.

Experts in name change after marriage have provided a summarized guide that will save you time and reduce the hustle of acquiring a new identity even after marriage. Here are the steps to take and requirements at every stage.

• Obtain Certified Copies Of Your Marriage License 

Authorities require you to justify name change. Your marriage certificate is the easiest justification you can provide for name change. Since you cannot present the original certificate, you will be required to give a certified copy.

The certified copies can be issued with your license if you make the request earlier. Buy several copies- up to three or four- to make it easier to complete the other stages or process that will follow. It saves you time because you will not have to request one every time it is asked. You will have them ready and thus make the process of name change faster.

The request can be made online or by mail where it will be sent to your chosen address. There are charges for obtaining certified copies of the marriage certificate. These copies are obtained from the office where your marriage was registered.

• Update Details of Your Social Security Card 

Many states use the Social Security Card as the source of all truth about an individual. This is why the Social Security Administration office becomes your first step when you want a Marriage Name Change Solution. The details that will appear on all other documents bearing your name must tally with what the SSA office has through your SS card.

It takes around 2 weeks for the details to be updated. You will be issued with a new card bearing the new name. However, all the old details will still be captured by this system. The Social Security Administration office will require you to present several documents to proof your old identity.

• The old SS card or its details must be presented. This proves that the details you have provided are similar and can be transferred to the new card. 
• Proof of citizenship is required in some offices. This can be done by presenting a birth certificate or a valid passport. 
• Proof or justification for name change. This is an easy one because your reason for changing the name is marriage. Most offices return the certified marriage certificate or license that you present. This allows you to use it in other offices. 

The requirements will differ if you are not a US citizen. Details of documents and requirements for non-citizens are provided on the government website. Your current citizenship status will also affect whether your application will be approved or not.

• Visit the Department of Motor Vehicle 

Your Driver’s License is used as an identity document in most cases. Once the Social Security Administration has updated your records, it is time to update the DMV. The department draws data from the Social Security Administration database. You will therefore have to wait for some time for the database to update. This could take 24hrs.

The DMV will issue you with a license in the new name. You can fill the application beforehand to ease the process and save time. They will ask for your SSA receipt, old DL and proof of address, among other documents. There are fees for obtaining a new DL. You can pay cash or using a credit card.

• Update Other Institutions

Banks, insurance providers, travel agencies, your employer and alumni association, among others need to be updated about your new name. An email or phone call will do in some cases while you have to present yourself in others. Updating the name helps you avoid hitches when you need services. It also saves you from accusations of identity theft.

The New Married Name must be acquired officially. This is a tedious process that requires resources, time and patience. Work with expert name change agents near you to make it easier and stress free to change your name after marriage. This allows you to enjoy your marriage bliss and return with a totally new identity.