Name Change Part Way Through Application - Question

[NinjaCookie 1]

This may seem like a silly question and I'm not sure whether this is the right place to ask it - if not, please direct me to the right place.

Background:

Here in New Zealand, both my Married and Maiden names are technically my "legal" name. I am welcome to use either name where-ever and whenever I choose. I have a passport issued in my maiden name which I previously travelled on and submitted to the NVC when they requested the passport copy, but driver's licence and all other identification is in my married name.

I originally submitted all of my applications/paperwork to the USCIS and NVC under my married name (except the passport), but they have been communicating with me and listed me as a beneficiary by my maiden name - they seemed to switch it up part way through the process.

The Situation:

I am wanting to get a new passport in my MARRIED name so that I don't get stuck in the USA having to use my maiden name everywhere. Bearing in mind I will still have the original passport in my maiden name, it will simply be invalid for travel - but I can happily present this at the interview.

The Questions:

1) Will getting a new passport part-way through the process cause problems at interview - ie: will they suddenly decide it's not valid and make me go through this whole process all over again with submitting new documents?

2) As the NVC have been communicating with me under both names at various points, but are currently using my maiden name, will this force them to issue the visa in my maiden name, and into a passport with the same name? Or do they have discretion to issue it under my preferred name.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can give me some advice in this situation. It's not a dealbreaker - and if it's going to cause problems I'll obviously just suck it up and deal with my terrible maiden name for a while!

[Ryan H 3,812]

The Answers:

1. No, obtaining a new passport to reflect your new name will in no way, shape, or form cause problems.
2. The NVC will not issue the visa, the US Consulate in Auckland will and they will issue it in the name name that matches the passport they have in-hand. Use your married name on your DS-260 and only give the Consulate the passport that has your married name unless the older passport is specifically requested.