Name Change - Question

[cyclone27 710]

I am a bit confused. We are marrying in Thailand and I know generally name change doesnt happen for Vietnamese ladies.

Any rate I am trying to be a bit forward thinking in regards to the name change so should this be done before one makes a petition (I-130) and then start the immigrant visa process?

I appreciate any advice so I might avoid any headaches down the road though I am certain that might still occur.

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

Your post is a bit contradictory........

I just want to chirp in and let you know that you cannot file the I-130 until after the wedding ceremony has taken place.

If your future bride decides to use a different name after the ceremony. Then that will be the name of the women that you will petition.

During the process you will also be asked for your brides maiden name.

Edited September 28, 2014 by Thomas&Cleofe

[cyclone27 710]

^ I am aware of that, but thanks for the heads-up - will file i130 after we are married, but since the i130 mentions married name it's relevent once I am married and complete said document.

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

^ I am aware of that, but thanks for the heads-up - will file i130 after we are married, but since the i130 mentions married name it's relevent once I am married and complete said document.

Yes, just use her married name or the name she plans on using after the ceremony.

[cyclone27 710]

Never been married so I am unsure of the process so bare with me.

So normal process is to apply for marriage license which has both parties unmarried names on it and then the name change is reflected on this document with her taking my surname?

I am guessing once you start the immigration process then you need to stick with the name on the documents or it will be a major headache. The only other time one can change your name is when you go for US Citizenship or get it done by petitioning the courts in your local jurisdiction?

BTW - thank you for answering my post.

[Thomas&Cleofe 358]

Never been married so I am unsure of the process so bare with me.

So normal process is to apply for marriage license which has both parties unmarried names on it and then the name change is reflected on this document with her taking my surname?

I am guessing once you start the immigration process then you need to stick with the name on the documents or it will be a major headache. The only other time one can change your name is when you go for US Citizenship or get it done by petitioning the courts in your local jurisdiction?

BTW - thank you for answering my post.

Yes, you are correct. The marriage license and your marriage certificate will have both your names listed prior to marriage. Then after you are married your bride is free to use her married name to make application.....Local government ID, passport, immigrant application, etc.........

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Never been married so I am unsure of the process so bare with me.

So normal process is to apply for marriage license which has both parties unmarried names on it and then the name change is reflected on this document with her taking my surname?

I am guessing once you start the immigration process then you need to stick with the name on the documents or it will be a major headache. The only other time one can change your name is when you go for US Citizenship or get it done by petitioning the courts in your local jurisdiction?

BTW - thank you for answering my post.

Take a look to the country where you both will get married. Some countries do not use married name for women and some others do. It reflects on the marriage certificate. In Florida - my husband and I were married there- marriage certificate does not reflect name change which means women can't have the name changed automatically. But marriage certificate is sufficient document to let a woman changed her name without going to a local court.

Anyway, even Thailand does not recognize name changed for women, it does not matter because you will petitioning her comes to the US and a woman has a right to change the name. And congrats for your upcoming nuptial!