When two individuals get married, along with serious and long discussions on the cake, invites, dresses, and such, the changing of names also forms an important part of the ceremonial process. Even for those who prefer following the traditional way, in which the wife takes on the husband's surname, there are many ways in which the required name change can be brought about easily; for instance, hyphenating the last name after marriage.
But then, changing times have brought along a few other interesting forms of name changes. Being in parts for convenience, practicality, equality, and bonding, there are various ways in which couples are choosing to change their names. Take a look.
Wife Taking on Husband's Surname
This is the most widely used form of name change. Most brides choose to change their surnames to that of their husbands. If this is the case, the legal document required to begin the process is the certified copy of the marriage license. As almost all states have had this feature from a long time, the process is fairly easy and streamlined. These days, there are several marital name change kits available for new brides to accomplish the ensuing name change process with ease.
Husband Taking the Wife's Surname
In recent times, many newlywed husbands also take their wife's name as a matter of expressing their love and equality. But because the legal procedures for this feature have not been streamlined in every state, there might be just a little more paper work involved in doing the same. And here too, the husband has to make sure that his name is changed to his new name in all official and legal documents to avoid troubles in future.
Hyphenating the Last Name after Marriage
This is another type of name change that is becoming increasingly popular in recent times. Couples either combine a part of or their entire surnames, or derive a new surname from the combination of their existing names, and change their surnames to this new name. Again, hyphenating last name after marriage is not a widely used name change methodology; therefore, the procedures in all states may not have a streamlined process for the same. In this case, the paperwork involved and the overall time consumed is generally higher than in the other procedures. More so, all other related official documents have to be changed to reflect this newly adapted surname.
Changing the First Name Along with the Maiden Name
In this case, if the bride or the groom desires to change his/ her first name along with the newly acquired maiden name, the process involves an additional step. To change the maiden name, a certified marriage certificate is proof enough, but to change the first name, one has to approach the court with a name change appeal. So, if someone wants to change both his surname and first name, it makes sense to change the first name via the required court procedures, and then apply for a change of his or her surname. This way, the applicant's name needs to be changed only once in the official documents, thereby avoiding any unnecessary complications.
Changing the Maiden or First Name after Divorce
Amidst the emotional trauma of a divorce, the time and effort required for a name change can be very demanding. From air tickets and travel documents to other official documents, the process involves a lot more paper work. Here, the costs serve to be another factor of consideration as the increase in the mortgage rates and administrative fees have to be considered as well. The process includes a court petition, notification to the public, and paper work at other related departments; prior to applying for a name change of official documents and files.
Whatever format you want your new name to follow, it is essential to ensure that all official documents including driver's license, credit cards, passport, insurance, mortgage, voter registration, and bills (electric, water, gas, phone, etc.) reflect this change of name. With the availability of agencies specializing in offering name change services, it will be only a matter of time before you will be identified by your newly adopted name. Go for it!
Name Change Checklist
After having received the certified marriage license, or an approved court order that contains your new name on the same, it becomes essential to reflect this new name in all financial, civic, official, and security documents. Remember, having your new name in few places, and the old one in others, may lead to irreversible problems at a later stage. To avoid this, and to ensure smooth transactions with regards to your transactions with companies, government agencies, and remaining organizations, do go through this check list of documents that require a name change.
- Social security card - Voter registration- Passport- Driver's license- Bank account, credit card details- Vehicle registration documents - Health card- Insurance documents- Citizenship card- Mortgage documents- Tax documents- Utility bills, etc.
With careful research and planning, you will be in a position to use your new name after marriage without going through any legal hassles or other complications, right away!
Source : articlesbase.com
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