Laws pertaining to changing your name after marriage vary from state to state. Generally, the new bride who wants to keep her name does nothing. The new bride who wants to take her husband's name must make the appropriate changes within a certain amount of time. Contacting your local courthouse is an excellent way to begin the process and determine what is required within your state of residence. These great checklists will help you to remember much important information but name change kits are also very helpful for many brides.
You probably have many documents containing the name you wish to have changed. Here is a quick checklist of important documents and agencies to have corrected / contact with your new legal name.
Social Security Card
Passport
Driver's License
Vehicle Registration and Motor Vehicle Information
Voter Registration
Any Pertinent Bills In Your Name (Especially those to be shared)
Department of Motor Vehicles
Insurance Agency (Vehicle, Life, Medical, et al.)
Bank
Educational Institution (College, University)
Credit Card Agencies
It is also a good idea to contact a lawyer when altering legal documents. If you and your husband are considering a pre-nuptial agreement, a lawyer is the perfect person to consult for this type of legal assistance. Lawyers can also give you advice on helpful things that may not have been considered such as documents left to change, timelines for legal paperwork, buying/selling a home without a realtor (not always advisable), and more.
Lawyer:
Firm:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
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