When do you start using and signing with your new name? Do you wait until you get the marriage license in the mail?
For social purposes, thank you's etc., I used it right after the wedding. For 'official' documents, I used whatever was on them until I could get it changed, ie: credit cards - I signed with the name that matched the cards until I got the new ones and for checks, I crossed out the old name and used the new name.
I`m actually in the process of having my name switched over on all the official paperwork. Driver`s license, registration, car and house insurance, and bank accounts have all been done. Unfortunately, the DMV took so long (there is always a long line there), that we missed the Social Security office by 20 minutes. They close at 4.
I will not change my payroll and benefits information at work until Social Security has been notified. But, I started going by my new name as soon as I got back to work. I got a new I.D. badge and have even received inter-office mail with the proper spelling, which is pretty amazing considering how difficult the new last name is! Everyone`s been very conscious of the name change.
As for bills, I will change the name when I receive my new checks, which should be arriving any day!
