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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