really strange name change problem (a little long)

I'm so confused on what to do about the name change. Let's say my name is Michelle Jones, and husband's last name is Smith. Would it be very odd to change my name to Michelle Smith Jones. I know it's usually done the opposite way, but this way, in a lot of cases I can use my 'married name' but officially, I still have my last name. Would I be able to use just his name at times, or would that really just be my middle name? Is this just the wierdest thing ever? I don't know what to do because my husband really wants me to take his name, and I really am having issues with giving up mine. Any advice would be great. If any of you didn't change your name, is it so confusing?

Re: really strange name change problem (a little long)

You can use them both. You can decide to change your name on your marriage license to Smith, yet still use Jones. As long as you are not doing so to defraud anyone, you can use whatever name your little heart desires. You would run into issues only if you were inconsistent.

Re: really strange name change problem (a little long)

Do you want to change your middle name to his last name?

I dont' think the process is that hard at all, but different than changing it b/c of marriage purposes.

I think if you go on the social security website there is information there.

Mary

Re: really strange name change problem (a little long)

I am taking my husband's name and I am in the middle of the process right now. Honeslty, I feel like I have 2 personalities- me with my maiden name which I sign sometimes, and me with my new married name which I sign sometimes. Once this is all done, I will only sign one name but it is really confusing! I have signed the wrong name on credit cards and I get so frustrated! Just keep that in mind- it's hard to have 2 sets of names unless you can keep it straight in your head or consistant! Just my opinion.

Re: really strange name change problem (a little long)

My marriage license includes ALL of my names to be on the safe side.

LOL

Example: Jane Ann Doe Smith
I sign most of my stuff sorta the same: (J.A.DoeSmith) I used to sign J.A. Doe anyhow and Jim’s last name so short in writing that it was easy to just add it on.

Jann:
DMV wouldn’t allow all four names so I only put three, same goes for SS office. What I find odd is half of my Credit Cards are wrong in one way or another. Like Jane D Smith or Jane A Smith. Does it make a difference if the middle initial is wrong?

The only folks who have it EXACTLY right is the Insurance Company (go figure).

I sign both ways since some of my cards still have my maiden name. But mostly I find myself signing my married name on EVERYTHING, regardless of the name on the paper in print. The main exception is things at the office where I haven’t changed my name yet. I don’t mean to defraud anyone. Am I doing so?

Re: really strange name change problem (a little long)

It really doesn't matter what the marriage license/certificate says...it what you change it to with the Social Security office that matters.

Your name change on the marriage license is not your new legal name. At least that is what the Town Clerk of Brookhaven told me.