{"id":1964,"date":"2018-05-10T19:08:46","date_gmt":"2018-05-10T19:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/officiantguy.com\/blog\/?p=1964"},"modified":"2019-10-16T19:24:24","modified_gmt":"2019-10-16T19:24:24","slug":"name-change-after-marriage-recommendations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/officiantguy.com\/blog\/name-change-after-marriage-recommendations\/","title":{"rendered":"Name Change After Marriage Recommendations"},"content":{"rendered":"[lwptoc]\n

How to Change Your Name<\/h1>\n

Changing your name after marriage<\/strong><\/a> is a major life decision that can turn into a shortsighted, costly mistake. Why? California law establishes that in order for you to change your name after marriage<\/strong>, your future name change MUST<\/strong> be specifically noted on your marriage license.<\/p>\n

\"name<\/a>
This box should have your name change even if there’s tiny chance you might want to change it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you put a name-change request on your marriage license?<\/h2>\n

Your name doesn’t legally change<\/em> <\/strong>until you file a request at the<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. DMV,<\/li>\n
  2. the Social Security office and<\/li>\n
  3. the Passport office.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    So you might as well put on your marriage license a name that you actually might change your name to if and when you change your mind.<\/p>\n

    If you didn’t put\u00a0 a new name on your California marriage license, here’s how to resolve this<\/h3>\n

    If you don\u2019t have your name changed on your marriage license<\/strong><\/a>, then when you are ready to change to your married name you will have to file a name change petition with the Superior Court in the jurisdiction where you live. To complete the filing of the petition you would have to either retain an attorney or handle the matter yourself.<\/p>\n

    Even if you represent yourself you will have to pay approximately $435 in court filing fees and up to $100 to publish your proposed name change in a local newspaper. If you retain an attorney to handle the matter for you your attorney fees may be more than double the filing and publication fees. If you and your new spouse both want to change your names those fees would double again. Those costs do not include the time it would for you to prepare your name change petition and\/or to consult with your attorney.<\/p>\n

    Steps to change\u00a0 your name after marriage<\/h3>\n

    To ask the court to change your name, you have to follow these steps or your attorney does:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Fill out your court forms<\/li>\n
    2. Have your forms reviewed<\/li>\n
    3. Make at least 2 copies of all your forms<\/li>\n
    4. \u00a0File your forms with the court clerk M-F during the workday<\/li>\n
    5. \u00a0Publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (Required in most States)<\/li>\n
    6. Go to your court hearing, if it’s protested<\/li>\n
    7. Get your Decree Changing Name from the court<\/li>\n
    8. Go to the appropriate governmental agencies (listed\u00a0 below)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      As you can see, it\u2019s a time-sucking, costly hassle<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

      I have been contacted by many of the couples that I have married after<\/em><\/strong> all the paperwork has been filed, that have a change of heart. At that point, it\u2019s too late. You have to follow the steps above.<\/span><\/p>\n