I am not sure if I am supposed to be using my married name yet?

Question

I am so confused. I was just married, but haven't filed any name cange paperwork yet. So which name am I supposed to be using? Do I wait until I have completed the name change on my social and my driver's license before using the married name?

Answer 1

You can use your married name.

Go ahead and file, so you can make sure you can use it in all circumstances (legally, as well as socially). The moment you file, you're name is officially changed. You don't have to wait until the new driver's license and social security card arrive. Until you file, though, I'm pretty sure any legal documents, like your W-4 forms, insurance forms, bank accounts, etc. will have to remain under your maiden name until you have an updated SS card and driver's license.

Socially, you can use whatever name you want. There are a lot of women who never legally take their husband's name, but do socially. For example, I know a woman, a doctor, who kept her maiden name legally and professionally, but when she's just in a social setting, she will introduce herself using the same last name as her husband and children.

Answer 2

No the minute he pronounced u man and wife u have the right to use the married name, but do get the name change done as soon as u can or it will be hard for u too get on a bank account with him or a important stuff like that. just get the marriage certificate and go do all this paperwork and quit worrying as long as u are married enjoy the name...

Answer 3

No, you don't have to wait, but get those things done requiring the name change if you are going by your married name as soon as possible. You can make a copy of the marriage license to show if there is any question.

Answer 4

Unofficially, once you are pronounced husband and wife you can start using your married name. Legally, once you file the license, change the name on your social security card, get a new driver's license, etc.

Answer 5

No you are married the paperwork can wait a while but it is on record in the county courthouse that you were married. My friend didn't change her license or social security for over a year. Go ahead and use your new name proudly. Congrats!

Answer 6

Socially, you can use any name you want. Legally, you have to use your legal name, which would be the name that's on your social security card and your ID. So, until you file the name change paperwork, that would be your own name.

Answer 7

You can begin using your new married name the moment the ceremony is over. Until I had all the paperwork changed over I signed both my maiden and married name on credit card slips and checks just to make sure that there was no confusion.

Answer 8

I hate it when people say children should get their father's last name. Wrong, wrong, wrong. They're still living in the old days in which women/children got the man's name because he claimed ownership over them. No longer the case. Thanky goodness, women have choices nowadays. Personally, if I were in your situation, I would keep the child's name as is. At least I know I would always be in that child's life. If you do get married to another man, I think you should keep your and your child's name. Is your name not that important? What if you end up divorcing that man? Are you going to revert back to your maiden name? You know, the man could always change his name to yours or hyphenate with you.

Answer 9

You cannot use your new name on any legal paperwork until it is recognized by the social security office.

You are still (for example) Mrs. John Smith/Mrs. Smith. But you are not "Sue Smith" according to any legal documents: taxes, license, social security, W2s, contracts of any kind, etc.

You are not officially your new name until you get a new Social Security card.

Answer 10

Legally, you have to use the name that is on your SS card and driver's license. I didn't use my married name until I got those changed. You can get that done all in one day just by visiting the SS office and the place where you get your license.