Name Change After Marriage
Even though name changes by women, after marriage, are common, it is by no means something that has to be done. It is a custom/tradition that has lasted through generations, and is adhered to by a fair portion of the married population across the world. If you do decide to take on your husbands name after getting married, there are a few steps that you need to take. Some of these details will vary by state; however, they are mostly similar across the United States.
How to Make the Name Change After Marriage
When completing your marriage certificate/license, you can submit a name change along with the same document, and upon getting married you will be able to use your new name. Once the marriage ceremony is over, a person changing their name should do all of the following:
- Always use the new last name
- The name on all documents (e.g., social security card, passport, driver?s license) should be changed to reflect the new name.
- The name on all financial documents and services (e.g., credit cards, bank accounts) should be changed to reflect the new name.
You should keep in mind that since the name change is not a requirement, there could be advantages to keeping your maiden name. For example, if you have established a well-recognized professional or public identity then it is a good idea to keep your maiden name.
Changing your last name on all documents, accounts, etc, can be a hassle, and will take time and money, so you may decide that it simply is not worth the effort and expense to go through with a name change.
There are of course some advantages to changing your last name; however, they are minor benefits such as faster processing of some government or business procedures, or avoiding friction with in-laws in the future.
Does a Name Change Require a Lawyer?
It is not necessary to have a lawyer in order to do a name change; however, if you would rather have someone else worry about the details and paperwork and you have the money to spend on a lawyer, then it can certainly make things easier.
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