The procedure for legally changing your name varies depending on the causes of the change. For example, a name change after marriage can be a stressful task. On the one hand, you are making a significant decision to alter your identity. On the other hand, your relatives and friends will refer to you by a new name — this is significant! On the other hand, you’re not sure which documents and forms to fill out or which services to update. So, to provide you with peace of mind, here is a comprehensive list of things to think about and actions to take when changing your name.
What Name Do You Want?
The very first step is to decide on a name. After that, you can change your last name, initial name, middle name or all three. If you want to change your surname, you can have the following choices-
- Use your spouse’s surname
- hyphenate your surname with the surname of your spouse
- Maintain your maiden name as your last name.
- Make a completely new last name
There are several aspects to consider as you make your decision. First, consider what you want for your children and whether you want your family to share a last name. You should also consider how changing your name may impact your work life. For instance, if you have strong name recognition in your profession or have developed a personal brand. Once you’ve decided on a name, you can legally change it.
Steps For Name Change After Marriage
Before changing your name, there are a few things you should be aware of, ranging from the paperwork involved to the time required to complete the task across all government agencies.
Changing your name begins with the desire to do so and does not end until it is reflected in all your documents.
1. Determine which papers must be updated
If you want to learn more about name change after marriage, the first step is to identify all the documents and accounts on which you wish to change your name. Then, make a list so you can tick these items off as you finish them. A thorough list may keep you from skipping or missing something vital later.
2. Collect all of your papers
If you want to legally change your name after marriage, you should assemble all your papers in one location. This includes your identification, birth certificate, social security card, and other documents that establish your identity, citizenship, and name. These will be needed at all phases of the process.
3. Obtain a certified copy of your marriage license
Your marriage license is one of the essential documents you’ll need. If you did not receive one when you married or require additional copies, you could obtain them through your court system. If you do not have this paperwork, you will most likely be unable to obtain a name change after marriage.
4. Collect any other documents that prove your marriage
Other documents that demonstrate you were married and when you were married may exist in some situations. For example, if you have a wedding announcement or a newspaper clip about your wedding, this may be good to have on hand.
5. Request a new social security card
Applying for a new social security card is another stage in changing your name after marriage. To obtain a card with your changed name, you may require to download and fill out a form and take it to your social security office. When you have your new card, you can begin updating other papers.
6. Get a new identity card
Obtaining a new ID is the following step in changing your name after marriage. When updating your identification card, bring all your paperwork with you because you never know what they will want to examine. Getting your birth certificate, marriage license, current social security card, and any other documents you may have is a good idea. Everything else you want to edit should be more accessible once you have your new identification.
7. Change your name on your bank documentation
You should have no problems having your name changed on your bank accounts if you have your updated documents and the other official documents you used to have your ID changed.
Simply inform a banker how you intend to change your name after marriage, and they will walk you through the procedure.
8. Make adjustments to other accounts
When it comes to changing your name after marriage, you must also consider how to alter your name on other accounts. This process will vary based on the objective of these accounts. For example, it may be as simple as altering your contact information in certain circumstances, while you may need to call some companies and provide paperwork.
9. Update your contact information at work
After marriage, you may also request a name change at work. Some people keep their names for professional purposes or because they consider themselves feminists, while others prefer to have their information updated after changing their names. Again, it is up to you to determine which alternative is best for you.
10. Change your social media name
The last place you might want to change your name after marriage is on social media. This might be as simple as changing your name and updating your settings, but it will depend on the site you are using. You should also consider calling customer service on any website where you wish to learn how to alter your name after marriage. They might be able to give you additional information.
Conclusion:
Remember that there are numerous measures to follow if you want to know the process for legal name change after marriage. A checklist will come in handy as you gather documentation and approach several agencies to make the change.
Take as much time as you need and be meticulous throughout the procedure. If necessary, you can also get assistance by contacting a team at Hitchswitch for name change after marriage and legally change your name after divorce. We are ready to cater to all your name change problems in the best possible way we can.
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