USC Name change via court order

[pbgirl 1]

Just want to get some people's advice on a problem for a friend.

It was after the AOS interview that my friend (she is the USC) changed her last name to her husband's family name. But b/c her husband does not use his family name in "official" paperwork, she had to go through a court name change (not based on their marriage certificate).

For example, his name is John Smith Familyname. But in all his paperwork, he is just John Smith. But she is now officially Jane Familyname thanks to the courts.

Now when filing the 1-751, should they note the name change somewhere or explain it? Maybe a copy of her passport with the madien name and a copy of it showing her new last name? Her first name is very unique (and with passport photos too) its kind obvious its the same person.

But I told her not to take anything for granted. Anything you think she needs to do?

Has anyone had a similiar situation?

Edited June 28, 2008 by pbgirl

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I haven't had any experience here but generally, in dealing with government paperwork they will want to see the papertrail that links the different names together. For example, if Mary Smith married John Doe and became MaryDoe, then divorced John Doe and later married James Jones, she would need to provide the marriage and divorce documents changing her name from Smith to Doe to Jones. I think it would be safe for your friend, since your friend legally changed her name in the courts, to include a copy of the court document changing her name from Miss A to Mrs B since this doesn't naturally occur by the marriage certificate to Mr. 'nickname C'. A written explanation to go along with that wouldn't hurt. No, I would not take anything for granted, even if her first name is very unique. I hope this helps.