Same-sex couple name-change after K-1 marriage?

[jens_prodigy 13]

Another "killing-time" question...

A VJ thread I was reading today inspired this question but I'm interested in how it applies to same-sex couples. Feel free to chime in everyone (but especially same-sex couples). This concerns name change after we are married. It's very important to us that our future children have the same last name as us so we have decided to combine our last names. Instead of hypehnating. We happen to have two names that go very well together. For instance: if her last name is Clark and mine is Jackson (not our real names , we'd be the Clarksons. Get it?

My question is two-part:

1) how are you and your partner choosing to handle name-change? Are you keeping your last names, hyphenating or combining?

2) Since after my K-1 is approved I'll still have to file for change of status and greencard etc, when is the best time to change my/our names? Right after the wedding or wait until I change my status?

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If you are going to make a totally new name from the existing names, then you will need a court ordered name change. I think that can take some time.

If it is going to take too long, then I would suggest that you file for AOS in your maiden name, then change to the new modified married name when you file for Removal of Conditions.

Definitely do it right after the marriage though Good luck!

Edit: For people who are just taking the non-modified married name after marriage, they should apply for AOS in the new name.

Edited September 21, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[sparkles_ 456]

Everyone seems to say wait for the AOS to be done, but I see plenty changing it right after marriage as well. I would say if you want to change it before AOS start working on it as soon as you get the official marriage cert to allow changing, don't waste time.

I also think totally changing both last names takes a court order. Some states are slow, some are fast so maybe ring up a lawyer and just ask what the turn-around for that is. I kept my last name with my first marriage, this go around I will change my last name depending on which last name they stick my fiance with since Egyptians have 4 names and USCIS picks either the 3rd or 4th for their official last name. One I like very much but the other is a no-go for me with my first name. I couldn't hyphenate because then I could end up with a 23 letter last name LOL.

Edited September 21, 2013 by beccabecca

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No one says wait for AOS to be done. If they do say that they are wrong. If you are changing your name, file AOS in new name.

The issue for the OP is that she wants to make a new last name that is totally different from anyone's last name. I know it's a combo of the two, but as far as I know anything other than new name, or a hyphen, or a two-word last name is not covered in the simple marriage and name change laws. I think it will take a court order for something like that, but she should research the laws of her state to confirm.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to AOS from Family Based Visas- topic about filing AOS ~

[susysteele 9]

Another "killing-time" question...

A VJ thread I was reading today inspired this question but I'm interested in how it applies to same-sex couples. Feel free to chime in everyone (but especially same-sex couples). This concerns name change after we are married. It's very important to us that our future children have the same last name as us so we have decided to combine our last names. Instead of hypehnating. We happen to have two names that go very well together. For instance: if her last name is Clark and mine is Jackson (not our real names , we'd be the Clarksons. Get it?

My question is two-part:

1) how are you and your partner choosing to handle name-change? Are you keeping your last names, hyphenating or combining?

2) Since after my K-1 is approved I'll still have to file for change of status and greencard etc, when is the best time to change my/our names? Right after the wedding or wait until I change my status?

Thanks!

We are same-sex. She, the beneficiary, will take my last name after marriage. We're doing this for two reasons. One, we want to have the same last name as our future kids and two, I have two children already and she wants the same last name as them as well. She'll change her name as soon as we get married, which will be approximately a week after she gets here and before AOS and her last name will not be hyphenated, just simply my last name. Thanks for the distraction tonight...I'm on this site daily and need to keep my mind occupied or I'll go insane!

[jens_prodigy 13]

We are same-sex. She, the beneficiary, will take my last name after marriage. We're doing this for two reasons. One, we want to have the same last name as our future kids and two, I have two children already and she wants the same last name as them as well. She'll change her name as soon as we get married, which will be approximately a week after she gets here and before AOS and her last name will not be hyphenated, just simply my last name. Thanks for the distraction tonight...I'm on this site daily and need to keep my mind occupied or I'll go insane!

No problem! I check VJ daily as well. I know we are all waiting - for some the wait will be longer than others- so I figure we should at least keep ourselves occupied and sometimes it's best to take our minds off our various cases/petitions. Looking forward to more discussions!