Maiden Name?

[LnS 1]

My wife and I are now filling out all the forms for the AOS process. I hadn't thought about it before but is her surname now my surname or is there something we have to do specially to have it changed legally? I'm asking because I don't know which surname to use on all of her forms.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

You have to legally change it, so if you guys didn't change it at the time when obtaining your marriage license then either you'll change it now before filing AOS, or go with her maiden name throughout the journey. It's up to you guys.

[Moomin 292]

State law is important and I don't know which state you're living in if you wish to legally change your name.

If this article is correct (http://web.archive.org/web/20070114123109/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_re_us/take_my_wife_s_name ) and assuming you live in the mentioned states; Take marriage cert. (probably a cert. copy of the marriage certificate or try with a regular copy) to the closest SSA and apply. Otherwise google name equality act.

You're the US citizen, so it really doesn't matter right now and you can submit the forms in your current name. It depends on your state, however you can try to call the SSA and ask them. Probably ask to speak to a supervisor if you doubt the person you're speaking with.

[LnS 1]

If we did decide to keep her surname (she's the beneficiary) throughout the process, would that look strange or bad when we are convincing the interviewing officer that we do indeed have a legitimate marriage?

[Dave&Roza 748]

If we did decide to keep her surname (she's the beneficiary) throughout the process, would that look strange or bad when we are convincing the interviewing officer that we do indeed have a legitimate marriage?

Why would it? It is just a name. To the USCIS the most important evidence is that you are risking assets. My wife has kept her maiden name throughout the process. I have a friend whose wife uses her maiden name due to professional reasons. Are our marriages any less legitmate? The main benefit of keeping her maiden name is the GC name matches her passport. Both names are not easy to pronounce, but hers is a bit easier then mine. Now the funny thing is to get mail addressed to me with her surname and the "a" is still on it--it is a bit offensive as I am not a woman .

Good luck,

Dave

[SBB 74]

My wife kept her maiden name as is the Chinese tradition. It never came up in interviews.

[akihon 129]

My wife and I are now filling out all the forms for the AOS process. I hadn't thought about it before but is her surname now my surname or is there something we have to do specially to have it changed legally? I'm asking because I don't know which surname to use on all of her forms.

Use the name she intends to use legally - whether maiden because she kept it or married because she took yours.

Edited May 1, 2013 by akihon

[tashired 18]

I have used my husband surname on my petition and all docs, so far so good. My old passport expired a month ago so I renewed it in my new name too, now all docs will have my new name.

P.s havent gotten new passport yet so used the old expired one with maiden name to do biometrics, no problem.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

No that will not be an issue. I kept my maiden name because I believe that is the only thing that I can forever keep that I've got from my parents. Everything else goes away by time, and I felt this is one way I could honor, and respect my parents. And they have never ever even asked a question about why I kept my maiden name instead of taking my husband's. This definitely will not be an issue. You guys will be fine! Good luck!