Taking USCs husband's name?

[Marrienne 112]

Hi VJERS,

I would like to add my husband's surname to my name now I am in the US and use it socially as my native surname is impossible to spell and pronounce for English speakers and it would make my life easier:)

How can I legally do that?

I am not asking for a complete name change that has to be done by a judge, just to take on my husband's surname.

Ty!!

[Illiria 980]

Your marriage certificate acts as a legal name change document for the purpose of taking your husbands last name in place of your maiden name.

Eg

Jane Doe and John Smith get married then Jane doe can now be known as Jane smith.

[afortunada 182]

Bring your marriage certificate to your local social security office and change it with them. Then update license, passport, bank accounts, employer, credit cards, etc. etc. etc.

[Gretch 11]

Nope, if she didn't change her name on the marriage certificate, that doesn't do any good--well, it depends on which state you're in. Some marriage certificates don't ask about a name change. So if a Greek certificate doesn't address name change, and you live in a state that does have it on the certificate, you're probably stuck and would have to go through the court process.

But you ask how you can legally start using your husband's name without going through the court. That's what doing it legally means. There isn't any other way. Marriage certificate if possible, if not, court.

On the other hand, there's nothing whatever stopping you from using your husband's name socially. You'll be Ms. Athens on your driver's license, bank accounts, passport, at the doctor, etc; but everyone in your life--neighbors, church, your children's school--will only know you as Mrs. Michigan.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

If the green card does not have the USC husband's name, that will be another $450 I-90 filing fee for green card name change.