Last name changed after marriage

[goldfilm 0]

Hello, I'm filing the I-751. I'm the foreigner applying for the green card, my wife is American. She changed her last name when we got married and received a social security card with her new last name (my last name). Now the form asks for her family name (Part 4) - I guess she is supposed to put her old last name, the one she received when she was born. But at the end in Part 7 she must sign and put her print name. I wonder if this name in Part 7 is her new last name, or also the old name? It seems weird or confusing that she appears two times in the form with different names. On the other hand it wouldn't be accurate for her to sign with the old last name... or yes? We don't know what to do. Thanks!

[second stage 14]

Hello, I'm filing the I-751. I'm the foreigner applying for the green card, my wife is American. She changed her last name when we got married and received a social security card with her new last name (my last name). Now the form asks for her family name (Part 4) - I guess she is supposed to put her old last name, the one she received when she was born. But at the end in Part 7 she must sign and put her print name. I wonder if this name in Part 7 is her new last name, or also the old name? It seems weird or confusing that she appears two times in the form with different names. On the other hand it wouldn't be accurate for her to sign with the old last name... or yes? We don't know what to do. Thanks!

For Part 4 and Part 7, use her current name as in social security card.

For most people, family name is usually their last name.

[TracyTN 237]

I agree with second stage about the intent of the question.

Her 2 year green card is in her maiden name? You could have changed it at the time of AOS, but at any rate - I'd fill out the I 751 with her married name. Then include documentation to prove the reason for the change (certified marriage certificate) and a letter from her explaining that she would like her 10 year GC to reflect her married name.

[Lona.C. 16]

I agree with second stage about the intent of the question.

Her 2 year green card is in her maiden name? You could have changed it at the time of AOS, but at any rate - I'd fill out the I 751 with her married name. Then include documentation to prove the reason for the change (certified marriage certificate) and a letter from her explaining that she would like her 10 year GC to reflect her married name.

I belive the wife has to sign in married name if thats the name she uses to sign documents anywhere,

reguardless if she is the USC it is her legal name

you just sign with your name since there was no name change for you after marriage( since your male )

Edited March 17, 2010 by Lona.C.

[TracyTN 237]

I belive the wife has to sign in married name if thats the name she uses to sign documents anywhere,

reguardless if she is the USC it is her legal name

you just sign with your name since there was no name change for you after marriage( since your male )

It's early and I've not had caffeine but I'm not sure I'm following your point.

Has to sign what in her married name - the I 751? I agree if she is using her married name elsewhere, she'd want her 10 year green card to also be in that name.

The OP was specifically talking about his wife so I'm not sure where the info about being a male comes into play.

[milimelo 4,467]

It's early and I've not had caffeine but I'm not sure I'm following your point.

Has to sign what in her married name - the I 751? I agree if she is using her married name elsewhere, she'd want her 10 year green card to also be in that name.

The OP was specifically talking about his wife so I'm not sure where the info about being a male comes into play.

You need more coffee

OP - male, LPR applying for ROC

OP's wife - changed her maiden name to married name

Question OP is asking: what name his wife (USC) should use on the form - should be the current married name on all questions of this.

[goldfilm 0]

Thanks everyone! I don't think I was clear enough. I'll ask again...

- I am foreigner. I have a two-year green card about to expire.

- My wife was born in America.

- When we got married two years ago, she decided to take my last name and change hers. (Let's imagine she is Dorothy Johnson and I'm Jose Gonzalez) A few weeks later she received a new SS with her name and my last name. Now her new SS says Dorothy Gonzalez.

- I'm the one that needs the removal of condition and I'm filing all the main info in Part 1. (Info about Jose Gonzalez)

- In Part 4 the form asks for her "family" name, I assume it's her OLD last name, Johnson. I read somewhere that a lawyer said that family name is given name at birth...

- In Part 7, she must sign... I assume she should sign as Dorothy Gonzalez (or Johnson, or Johnson-Gonzalez?)

Any new thoughts?

Thanks again!

[TracyTN 237]

Sorry for being asleep at the wheel, all! (Literally )

To the OP - I am the USC and I put my family name on that form as my married last name, and signed accordingly. It is a confusing term - I wish they'd just put last name.

[goldfilm 0]

I put my family name on that form as my married last name, and signed accordingly.

So, where did you put your family name and where your married name? Did you put your family name in Part 4 and married in Part 7? Use both in Part 7? Still don't get it... sorry

[TracyTN 237]

I didn't list my family (by this, I assume you mean maiden) name anywhere on my husband's I 751. I used my married name everywhere, including how I signed the form.

[goldfilm 0]

Thanks so much! That helps...

[TracyTN 237]

Good - sorry if I added extra confusion.