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. 

10 Quick Reasons to Adopt Your Spouse’s Name after Marriage

Marriage is one of the most important events in an individual’s life and it comes with huge decisions.  Preparations for marriage are hectic and a couple has to think carefully through all the things they do because such choices will affect their life together. One of the most important decisions a couple has to make is the last name change.  In 2019, it is still the norm for the bride to take up their spouse’s name and this age-old tradition isn’t about to go away.

With so many changes in modern society, you might be at a loss why you should drop your maiden name in favor of your spouse’s name.  Before making the decision, it is important to think it through and weigh all the options. This article gives you some reasons to contemplate changing your last name after marriage.

1. Reflect the Big Decision/ Change in Status 

Getting married is a huge decision in life. Indeed, it is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in life. By taking up your spouse’s name, you will let the world know that you have made this big choice willingly. Many brides say they feel more comfortable using their spouse’s last name after marriage because it reflects their new status.

By going through the legal process of a name change after marriage, you tell the world that this is a new start for you. Picking your spouse’s name reflects your new status as a wife and this comes with respect from different quarters. Simply put, you will mark this milestone not only through a wedding ceremony but also through a name change.

2. Feel Like a Team 

After all the festivities, you are left with your spouse to start a new life. By taking up your spouse’s name, you feel like a team and there’s that courage to face the world. Many couples say that despite the joy and glamour of weddings, real life starts with a lot of anxiety and choosing the same name helps a couple feel closer.

When you choose your spouse’s name, you show a willingness to fight together and this is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in life. A legal name change after marriage might seem like a formalitybut most couples say it helped them feel together and helped them overcome the fear of their new life.  Like in a sports team, a player has to make huge sacrifices for the success of the team and this is what happens when one spouse drops their name and picks the name of their partner.

3. It’s Romantic 

Forget everything else and look at the reason many people commit to living with each other. It is all about love and one of the best ways to show this is by picking your spouse’s name. It is an important decision that your spouse will appreciate. While most people expect the bride to change their last name automatically, there’s a lot of thought that goes into making this choice.

For a start, many couples today use other name change options after marriage including hyphenation. When you take your spouse’s name, this is not an easy choice and your partner understands this. They know it is more than keeping with the norms and it is a decision made out of love.  Many couples today fight over the name change process but if you take your spouse’s name willingly, they will appreciate this big decision knowing it comes out of the love you have for them.

4. For the Sake of the Children 

When getting married, starting a family is a priority and it is important to make decisions that favor your kids’ future.  Picking your spouse’s name will have an impact on your kid’s surnames and it is thus important to make this decision carefully.

You don’t want to have a different surname from that of your kids and this should motivate you to drop your name in favor of your spouse’s. In this respect, you are thinking ahead and protecting your kids while at the same time creating a sense of togetherness in the family. The last thing you want is for your kids to grow up asking why you have a different surname. It is advisable to choose your spouse’s name after marriage to create a sense of harmony in the family.

5. Curry Favor With the In-laws 

While most people won’t accept it, relationships between newlyweds and the in-laws are not always rosy. After getting married into a new family, it takes time for you to become fully accepted; however hard you try. Of course some families welcome brides with open hands but in any case, changing your last name to your husband’s name can help a lot. 

For your in-laws, this is the obvious decision you should make and if you don’t, your relationship will have a rocky start. To make life easier, you should opt for your spouse’s name in keeping with the traditions.

6. Avoid Embarrassing Moments  

When attending social functions or traveling with your husband, everyone expects you to be using your spouse’s name. From the flight ticket agents to the hotel receptionist. You will always have a hard time explaining that you don’t use your spouse’s name. Of course, most people will not buy the story and such embarrassing moments can ruin even the happiest trip. To avoid such inconvenience, you should learn how to change your last name after marriage early enough.

7. Sense of Togetherness 

Using your spouse’s name creates a sense of togetherness as you start this crucial phase of your lives. If you love your partner, then it follows that you always want to be associated with them. There’s no better way to show such love than by picking their last name.  It creates a strong bond and you will revel in your newly found joy every time someone calls you by this new name.  The sense of pride that you feel makes you appreciate the magnitude of the decision and gives you more reason to continue loving.

8. Make Financial Transaction Easier 

When you share joint names, you will find it easier to sign joint accounts and other shared financial contracts. Your financial advisors will have an easier time guiding you on such contracts and you don’t need to keep correcting them if they assume you share the same last name. Most people expect you to share the last name and you will find them filling out your contract forms and other documents only for you to make corrections.

9. Show Your Commitment

When learning how to change your last name after marriage, you will discover it is a tedious process meaning anyone who goes through with it has to be committed. Changing your last name is not a must but it is a great way to show your commitment to the marriage.

In these modern times, many couples don’t expect their partners to go ahead with the name change and hence if you do this, it melts their heart and proves your commitment. Of course, you don’t need a name change to show you are in the union for the long haul but it is a symbolic move that makes all the difference. It shows you are serious about your new status and you are ready to make sacrifices for your marriage.

10. Ward Off Unwanted Attention 

After marriage, you don’t want any misunderstandings arising from your former relationships. As such, changing your last name to that of your spouse is a great way of warding off any unwanted attention. It is a smart way to tell everyone that you are now off the market.  When you change your last name on all your social media accounts and announce this milestone, it helps avert any problems in your marriage. Any flirtatious messages and such attention is no longer welcome.

These are only a few of the reasons couples have for changing their names after marriage. Some do it simply because it is a tradition while others want to announce their new status. It is a great way to mark this milestone in your life and people in your life will naturally expect you to use your partner’s name.

How to Change Your Last Name After Marriage

Whatever the motivation behind changing your last name after marriage, it is important to understand how the process works. You need to choose a new name before applying for a marriage license and make sure you use it in your application. The name reflected on the marriage license is the one that you will find on the marriage certificate. 

A marriage certificate is a legal document and you will need it to apply for new papers including a driver’s license, passport, and social security card. For all these applications, you need certified copies of the marriage certificate and for a new DL, you need to visit your local DMV offices.

The process is tedious, but luckily, you can use an online last name change service to get all the documentation you need and have them sent to the respective offices. These services also send the name change notifications to all institutions you want and it saves you a lot of trouble. If you have been wondering why and how to change your last name after marriage, now you know.

10 Top Reasons People Change Their Names

People change their names due to different reasons. You can do it because you want to legally change your name after the divorce. There are other many reasons to change your name after marriage ranging for serious to some mild ones. But as long as you are changing your name legally, it’s perfect. All you have to do is prove that your name change is not connected to deception or fraudulence acts in any way.  Criminals change their names to engage in criminal acts.

Below are some reasons to change your name at any point in life. 

Changing For a More Appealing Name

This is a simple reason to change your name. But who wants to be stuck a lifetime with a name they do not want?  Names given at birth are your parent’s choice; no one consulted you.

So as an adult, the law allows you to choose the name you want and follow the right legal steps to change it. You can get a current name that you like most such as Ashley or Britney; it depends on your personal preference.

Some names could also be embarrassing and especially if people have difficulties pronouncing them. That is one of the many reasons to change your name after marriage. In this same vein, people with names that could be embarrassing, especially if mispronounced or misspelled, may also seek name changes.

End of a Marriage

When a marriage comes to an end, a woman can seek a name change. This happens to those who change names after marriage. Since no divorce is every sweet, a spouse who had taken up the other’s last name can choose to go back to their maiden name.

The process to legally change your name after divorce depends on laws of the state where you are located. While some require court petitions or only require you to start using your former name consistently.

A Husband Wants to Use the Wife’s Name

Nowadays, it is not a wonder to find a man who wants to take up the wife’s name after marriage. However, it is only easy in Louisiana, Iowa, California, Hawaii, Georgia, North Dakota, and New York; the man applies to use the wife’s name just like the woman does when taking up her husband’s name. In other states, you have to file paperwork, and it’s a bit tedious to legally change your name after divorce.

Changing a Child’s Surname

This is common when the father is absent. A mother can change her child’s surname to hers, and in other cases, it happens the father has turned up and so a child’s name has to be changed to the father’s surname.

Seeking a Name That Is More Or Less Ethnic Name

 Some people are uncomfortable with names that can be easily identified ethnically. It helps if you are living with people who cannot pronounce the name. On the other hand, people are looking for ethnically rich names to feel a sense of cultural belonging.

Married Couples Combining Their Names

Of late, married couples have gained a new trend of joining parts their surnames to create a new surname for them. Others will simply add a hyphen between their last names and get a common surname. However, check your state’s laws because this is not one of the reasons to change your name after marriage in every state.

Transgender Name Change

A transgender person will need to change their name to match with the new gender. You can choose to replace the current name by changing it into its feminine or masculine form or come up with new names.

New Religion Conversion

You can change your name after a recent conversion or just because you want to honor another person’s religion. Many people apply to change their names due to religious reasons. It is not always about religion new conversion; others will do it because they want to get deeper in their current religion than before. A good example is Steve Kreusher; he changed to In God We Trust because God had seen him through tough times.

Same-Gender to Share a Single Surname

Same gender marriages are single in some states, but even where they are yet to be legalized, these couples are allowed to change their names and share a single surname. This becomes convenient in legal and financial transactions.

Political Statement

Name change due to political reasons may sound extreme, but they happen. You are legally permitted to change your name due to political reasons. Several people have done this including Marvin Richardson who changed his name to and Brandi Valladolid who became Pro-Life RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.