What actually legally changes your name-- is it your marriage license-- and then you just have to change your name with all the goverment depts-- or is there something else..
hmpena
Posted:
Member since
Re: Random Name Change Question
My impression was that it is the marriage license that changes your name legally. All other places want to see the marriage license before allowing you to change your name, so that is what's leading my to believe it's the license.
OK, I just found this on ask.com
How do I legally change my last name?
Good question! If you choose to take your spouse’s name after marriage, or hyphenate it with yours, the legal document which permits you to do so is the marriage license. Likewise, if you wish to return to your former last name after a recent divorce, the legal document which permits you do to so is the divorce decree. Unlike with marriage, however, it is recommended that during your divorce proceedings you specifically request the judge handling your case to make a formal ruling restoring your former or birth name in the divorce decree to ensure that your last name change is properly documented. If your divorce decree does not contain such an order restoring your former or birth name, then please contact us and we can discuss your circumstances on a case by case basis.
Is it enough to just legally change my last name?
No! No matter whether you are changing your last name after marriage or divorce, it is not enough to just legally change your last name by evidence of the marriage license or divorce decree; you should also change your last name on all of your records, identification cards and legal documents.
HTH!!
jeanla4c
Posted:
Member since
Re: Random Name Change Question
hmpena--Thanks for posting that....great info and helps a lot!.
I think as posted the marriage license is evidence but the name change is through SS and your use of the name.
The only reason I say this is because in NY the only options are taking your husbands name or hypenating (on the license). Since I was adding my husband's name to mine w/o a hyphen--I did not change my name on the marriage license but changed it on everything and used the marriage license as evidence...just wanted to add that!
