Name Change after Marriage

[GuardianAngel 1]

Hello VJers.

Long time no see!!!

We just got home from Vegas where we got married. Thanks for your wishes, it was a dream come true and truly a remarkable one.

Now that we have just requested a copy of our marriage certificate from the Clark County office, we would want to gather insights on how you did your name change. I know it varies from one state to the other thats why I called up the Seattle courts and inquired about the said case. The clerk said that IF I will just take my husband's last name, I don't really have to go to the courts and apply for a name change. However, if I will have to take my maiden last name and include it in my name, then I'll have to go through the process of changing name legally.

To make matters clear. Example: Donna Mae Reyes Hunt is married to Jason Ford-ham Estrella. Thus, after marriage, if the bride decides to have - Donna Mae Estrella - then theres no need for a name change. However if she decides to have Donna Mae Reyes Estrella / Donna Reyes Estrella, then she has to go to the courts for name change.

How did you do yours? by US laws and regulations?

Thank you again for your insights.

[Calypso 464]

My new name: My three first names, my middle name (my old family name), my husband's last name.

For example: Donna Marie L. (Lopez) Jimenez marries Antonio G. (Guan) Cortez.

It becomes Donna Marie J. Cortez.

I've done it that way.

It's not hyphenated. There has been no problem so far and I hope it remains that way. All letters that I've received relating to the AOS contain the correct spelling of my new complete name. The bank or anywhere else didn't make any issue.

After all, when we filled out the marriage license, the choices (?) were:

1. Retain your name Donna Marie L. Jimenez

2. Change to Donna Marie Jimenez-Cortez

3. Change to Donna Marie L. Cortez

4. Change to Donna Marie J. Cortez

That's from the L.A. County Clerk.

[rheanick 42]

Hello VJers.

Long time no see!!!

We just got home from Vegas where we got married. Thanks for your wishes, it was a dream come true and truly a remarkable one.

Now that we have just requested a copy of our marriage certificate from the Clark County office, we would want to gather insights on how you did your name change. I know it varies from one state to the other thats why I called up the Seattle courts and inquired about the said case. The clerk said that IF I will just take my husband's last name, I don't really have to go to the courts and apply for a name change. However, if I will have to take my maiden last name and include it in my name, then I'll have to go through the process of changing name legally.

To make matters clear. Example: Donna Mae Reyes Hunt is married to Jason Ford-ham Estrella. Thus, after marriage, if the bride decides to have - Donna Mae Estrella - then theres no need for a name change. However if she decides to have Donna Mae Reyes Estrella / Donna Reyes Estrella, then she has to go to the courts for name change.

How did you do yours? by US laws and regulations?

Thank you again for your insights.

You just use whatever name you want when you file for your adjustment of status. Your official name in the US would be tha one in your GC.

[CDAgirlMI 51]

You can also have your maiden name as your middle name.

I did that. I don't like hyphen names & I wanted my husband's last name.

[JSVP08 3]

Hello VJers.

Long time no see!!!

We just got home from Vegas where we got married. Thanks for your wishes, it was a dream come true and truly a remarkable one.

Now that we have just requested a copy of our marriage certificate from the Clark County office, we would want to gather insights on how you did your name change. I know it varies from one state to the other thats why I called up the Seattle courts and inquired about the said case. The clerk said that IF I will just take my husband's last name, I don't really have to go to the courts and apply for a name change. However, if I will have to take my maiden last name and include it in my name, then I'll have to go through the process of changing name legally.

To make matters clear. Example: Donna Mae Reyes Hunt is married to Jason Ford-ham Estrella. Thus, after marriage, if the bride decides to have - Donna Mae Estrella - then theres no need for a name change. However if she decides to have Donna Mae Reyes Estrella / Donna Reyes Estrella, then she has to go to the courts for name change.

How did you do yours? by US laws and regulations?

Thank you again for your insights.

congrats and best wishes

anyway, for me- when we applied for marriage license, it states there to write the name you wanted to appear on your marriage license/certificate. Since its a legal document, its a chance for me to (even) dropped my second (first) name (which i never like nor want to use) without going through the court process and have used my former family name as my new middle name.

here it goes: (eg)

before marriage: ana marie reyes gabilo

after marriage: ana gabilo rash (rash being the husbands family name)

am i making any sense?

i'd say, we used the filipino way wherein, the maiden name is being carried as middle name once a woman marries.

so far, i got my EAD and AP with my new name. Finger cross, id be fine until GC (interview soon) and am hoping no troubles for change of passport information at our (PH) consulate bcoz i've read some issues about the name change.

[Tahoma 2,292]

anyway, for me- when we applied for marriage license, it states there to write the name you wanted to appear on your marriage license/certificate. Since its a legal document, its a chance for me to (even) dropped my second (first) name (which i never like nor want to use) without going through the court process and have used my former family name as my new middle name.

Agreed. Fill out your marriage license using the new name of your choice. Then, use your new name on all documents after that. That's what my wife did. Now, everything is in her new name: Marriage License, State ID Card, Drivers License, Social Security Card, Green Card, RN License, etc. No problem.