Getting Married? It’s Time to Think about the Last Name Change Options

One of the most important, albeit overlooked tasks in a wedding planning checklist is the name change. Traditionally, women have always changed their last name after marriage to reflect their new status. Today, most couples take the opportunity to change their names during their nuptials. It is the easiest time to change a name legally.

If you have always wished to drop that boring last name, this is an added benefit to this moment of bliss. Couples should take some time to check the legalities surrounding last name changes in their states. Now that you already have so much on your hands using an online last name change service is a great idea.

This guide delves into the last name change process and the options you have after marriage. It answers the main questions you might have about the process.

Last Name Change Options

In most states, the following are the most common iterations of last name changes:

1. Taking your spouse’s last name
It is the conventional last name change after marriage. Most newly married women still go with this traditional option. It reflects the change in your status and also bestows respect upon your new family. This is a suitable choice as the entire family will have the same surname.

2. Name Blending
This is a contemporary name change option and a smart compromise for last name change after marriage. Couples in California can create new last blended last name from their parts of their previous names. E.g. James Pelton and Jane Miller becomes The Miltons.

3. Hyphenation
It is another last name change that works well as a compromise. If you don’t want to drop your maiden name for your spouse’s last name, you can hyphenate the two. It makes things easier after marriage as your family, colleagues, clients won’t have to learn a new name for you.

4. Keeping Your Maiden Name
Society has changed over the last few decades and many married women now go against the norms when changing names after marriage. Retaining the maiden name is now a popular option for women who have cultivated professional relationship using their maiden names. It is also common for women who feel a name change is a form of female emancipation.

5. Dropping The Middle Name
If you have a strong attachment to your maiden name for any reason, you can opt to drop your middle name. Your maiden name will take the place of the middle name and you can then use your spouse’s last name. It is a straightforward name change process except in a state like California, where you have to file a name change petition in the courts.

6. Husband Name Change
Some modern couples push boundaries by going for this unconventional last name change after marriage. The husband drops his last name and takes the wife’s surname. Couples have unique reasons for this drastic name change option.

Last Name Change in Brief

To legally change your last name after marriage, the following steps are mandatory:

1. Applying for a marriage license: This is the document that allows your wedding to process. On the application, you should list the new last name you wish to adopt. In most, you have the freedom to change any of your names but in some like California, any changes to the middle name require a name change petition in court.
2. The marriage certificate: After the wedding, you will get a marriage certificate reflecting your chosen last name. When picking the certificate, pay for several certified copies at the county clerk’s offices.
3. New documents applications: You need to apply for a new Social security card, a driver’s license and a passport. The new papers will reflect your new last name.
4. New name notifications: Update your service providers, employer, creditors and debtors, financial institutions, subscription services and every other party who needs to start using your new name.

Hassle-Free Name Change

The name change process is tedious and requires a lot of research. An online last name change service can save you the hassle and allow you to settle peacefully after your wedding. These services provide all the information you need, the documentation requirements and forms in one place.

Depending on the package you choose, the name change service can also fill and mail the required forms to respective recipients. They guide you through the entire process and save you a lot of time and trouble.

Wrapping Up

Planning to get married? Don’t ignore the name change until the last minute. The earlier you begin the process, the better. With this information, you are well equipped to commence the last name change process.