when we got married a month ago, we went to the courthouse (we were very rushed as that they were about to close and my uncle was stalling the judge). when the paperwork and ceremony was over we all left and did not think anything of it. but then i had to sign something and i was stumped as to how to sign my name. someone told me that i would have to go to the social security office to change my last name to his. but someone else told me that it had automatically changed and the only thing i would have to do now is get a new liscense. so how do i know what my name is??
2006-10-07 20:01:28 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Congratulations on your marriage!
Ah, such a good question. The various counties in Michigan have recently implemented signature lines on the marriage licenses and the resulting confusion is enough to drive anyone mad!
There are counties here that insist that brides and grooms (men can change their names through marriage too!) sign with their old names and counties that insist that they sign with their new names and counties that just shrug and don't care how it gets signed as long as there's a name there.
For you, at this point, it's a done deal, but if anyone else is anticipating the situation and their officiant (who really ought to know the answer) can't tell you how the process works, call the county clerk and ask them what they want to see. I've yet to hear of a marriage license being rejected over the name in the signature, but it could happen and that would be a pain.
I assume that you live in a country where you get to CHOOSE what your name is now.
Because there are so many options available to married couples regarding name changes (she changes, he changes, they both change or hypenate), you need to declare your change before it's legal. To declare, just change it with the SSA and the DMV. From that point on, changing it everywhere else is reasonably simple.
Next time there's a question, ask the judge. If anyone should know, s/he should.
2006-10-08 06:47:38 · answer #1 · answered by Kya Rose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At this point you are able to use either last name or a hyphenated version if that suits you. Until you file name change with Social Security and your Local Department of Motor Vehicles if you use his last name instead of your maiden name it will be accepted as an "alias" but is still legal. Also, as Shadowtwinchaos pointed out, dont forget the other places that will need to know the name you are going to use (if you change it)... credit cards, banking accounts, insurance, etc. (With regard to credit cards and bank accounts.... sign the name that is on the cards/checks, whether maiden or married.)
As for the gal who asked how old you are and stated you should KNOW this answer..... obviously (as proven by the variety of answers received) age isnt an indicator of knowledge. Unless you have been married before nobody should EXPECT you to know this. That is why so many places sell "name change kits".
2006-10-08 03:33:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to change it with the government by going down to your local social security office and showing them your marriage license and they will send you a new social security card showing your married name. Then you can go down to the DMV and show them your new information and they will give you a new license with your new name on it. Also don't forget to change it in other places as well, such as any bank accounts, mailings and things with ownership - such as leases, automobile papers, anything legal that you won. It takes some time to get your life all changed over to your new name, but you can do it. I've been married for 3 years and I still come across places that have my maiden name. Good luck and congrats.
2006-10-08 03:16:57 · answer #3 · answered by Shadowtwinchaos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the ceremony was legal, the paper work signed by the court, and you have your official marriage license, then your last name is that of your new husband. You do have to get a new social security card with the new name on it.
2006-10-08 03:29:36 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats! Well first you need to get to the Social Security office and change you name with them. You will need to get a copy of your marraige liscense and then once you recieve your new social card you need to go to the DMV and change your license. Unitl that you are binded to your maiden last name! Good luck!
2006-10-08 03:06:49 · answer #5 · answered by Mommy of 2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOW OLD ARE YOU??? Sorry but had to ask. This should be fairly common knowledge, your last name is the same until you go to Social security, with your marriage license, and apply for a new card with your new name. THEN you go to the MVD and change your drivers license. Or you can do as one of my friends...she never changed her name, been married over 10 years now. Good luck.
2006-10-08 03:06:14 · answer #6 · answered by Metbabe 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You last name is now his last name. You need to get a new license and a new social security card. In order to get the license you must first get a social security card and in order to get that you need to take your old license and your marriage certificate.
2006-10-08 20:16:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as you were pronounced man and wife your last name automatically became his. You still have to contact Motor vehicle and Social Security to have it changed in their records.
2006-10-08 03:07:23 · answer #8 · answered by ♥cinnamonmj♥ 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋