Name Changes

[calidreamer80 0]

I'm a little bit flustered about the whole name change thing. I got married on January 26th and am still going by my maiden name. I wanted to wait until the AOS process was over before I did it. I figured this would be best since my only ID (passport) is in my maiden name. What do you guys think? Should I go ahead and do it NOW or should I wait and see what happens with the AOS process??? Is there a time limit on changing your last name over once you've been married?? So many questions and there are probably answers already on here somewhere but I'm too impatient to look. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. B)

Thanks

Sarah

[walls1010 3]

I used my married name after my marriage to get a SS# which is one of the requirement to open a joint savings and checking account which is happen to be another proof that were married in applying AOS.

[Jashley820 0]

I used my married name after my marriage to get a SS# which is one of the requirement to open a joint savings and checking account which is happen to be another proof that were married in applying AOS.

I am going to do the same thing I think...just got married today!

Question though- is there anything you have to do to "change" your name after you get married, or is it just a matter of bringing the Marriage Certificate to get the SS#, Drivers License, etc?

[Jessi+Rich 0]

To change your name you just have to show your marriage certificate. I have read that name changes are not challenged when you can pull the names from your previous maiden name and your husbands family name. The process should start with your social security card (if you have one) then IDs, DL, bank accounts, etc. There is no other procedure. I asked my mother in law and she said thats it. So thats what I did

I read somewhere else that there is a period of one year after the marriage to change names, but don't quote me on this one since I don't remember where I got that from.

I think it is better to start the AOS process with your married name since that helps to proove you have a bonafide marriage, besides, you save the $$ in changing a GC later, if you intend to change your family name of course.

Best luck

Jess

Edited to add: Congratulations Jashley, may God bless your marriage!

Edited April 7, 2007 by Jessi+Rich

[Jashley820 0]

To change your name you just have to show your marriage certificate. I have read that name changes are not challenged when you can pull the names from your previous maiden name and your husbands family name. The process should start with your social security card (if you have one) then IDs, DL, bank accounts, etc. There is no other procedure. I asked my mother in law and she said thats it. So thats what I did

I read somewhere else that there is a period of one year after the marriage to change names, but don't quote me on this one since I don't remember where I got that from.

I think it is better to start the AOS process with your married name since that helps to proove you have a bonafide marriage, besides, you save the $$ in changing a GC later, if you intend to change your family name of course.

Best luck

Jess

Edited to add: Congratulations Jashley, may God bless your marriage!

Thank you so much! I see you're recently married as well. Congrats and good luck with your AOS process!

[athena_ny 1]

I'm a little bit flustered about the whole name change thing. I got married on January 26th and am still going by my maiden name. I wanted to wait until the AOS process was over before I did it. I figured this would be best since my only ID (passport) is in my maiden name. What do you guys think? Should I go ahead and do it NOW or should I wait and see what happens with the AOS process??? Is there a time limit on changing your last name over once you've been married?? So many questions and there are probably answers already on here somewhere but I'm too impatient to look. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated. B)

Thanks

Sarah

Ah, it's best to do it before. That way you don't have to change your green card, SS card, etc etc etc - it's just your passport which can be done through the consulate of the country you're from.

Having two different names on different documents makes things difficult - for example, I changed my ID, bank accts, etc before I had the SS card in hand, my application for an SS card came back because I idiotically signed my maiden name, and my work didn't want to change my name without my SS card, so now if I want to cash my pay check (which I have direct deposit, but didn't before) it's a huge hassle which glares and "and WHO is THIS PERSON?" reactions.

[shoe 0]

I used my married name after my marriage to get a SS# which is one of the requirement to open a joint savings and checking account which is happen to be another proof that were married in applying AOS.

Changing your name is not a requirement in open an account together?? Which bank is that?? I did not have to do that.

[athena_ny 1]

To change your name you just have to show your marriage certificate. I have read that name changes are not challenged when you can pull the names from your previous maiden name and your husbands family name. The process should start with your social security card (if you have one) then IDs, DL, bank accounts, etc. There is no other procedure. I asked my mother in law and she said thats it. So thats what I did

I read somewhere else that there is a period of one year after the marriage to change names, but don't quote me on this one since I don't remember where I got that from.

I think it is better to start the AOS process with your married name since that helps to proove you have a bonafide marriage, besides, you save the $$ in changing a GC later, if you intend to change your family name of course.

Best luck

Jess

Edited to add: Congratulations Jashley, may God bless your marriage!

Social Security says after 2 years, you'll have to provide additional documentation of your name change - not sure what that is, perhaps documents w/ said name change.

Changing a name or not changing a name doesn't really make a difference as far as proving a bonafide marriage, IMO - and from what I've read. Anyone can change their name, doesn't make said marriage real. And just as true, someone can choose to keep their family name and that doesn't make their marriage fake.

On a side note: VIVA PERU!

[Jessi+Rich 0]

Social Security says after 2 years, you'll have to provide additional documentation of your name change - not sure what that is, perhaps documents w/ said name change.

Changing a name or not changing a name doesn't really make a difference as far as proving a bonafide marriage, IMO - and from what I've read. Anyone can change their name, doesn't make said marriage real. And just as true, someone can choose to keep their family name and that doesn't make their marriage fake.

On a side note: VIVA PERU!

The name changing indeed does not affect your real intentions when you got married, however, why to give them a reason to ask you why you didnt change your name, especially if you really want to change it.

Let me add to your side note: ...AJO!!! ;)

Best luck in your interview, may the force (and papa Dios) be with you!!!

Jess

[walls1010 3]

I used my married name after my marriage to get a SS# which is one of the requirement to open a joint savings and checking account which is happen to be another proof that were married in applying AOS.

Changing your name is not a requirement in open an account together?? Which bank is that?? I did not have to do that.

You're right, no bank required to change your name. What I am saying is, i used my married name to my joint savings and checking account to my husband as another proof before we filed AOS, and before you can open a bank account they need your SS#. Getting a SS# i showed my passport and marriage certificate to get a married name to my SS card.

[athena_ny 1]

Social Security says after 2 years, you'll have to provide additional documentation of your name change - not sure what that is, perhaps documents w/ said name change.

Changing a name or not changing a name doesn't really make a difference as far as proving a bonafide marriage, IMO - and from what I've read. Anyone can change their name, doesn't make said marriage real. And just as true, someone can choose to keep their family name and that doesn't make their marriage fake.

On a side note: VIVA PERU!

The name changing indeed does not affect your real intentions when you got married, however, why to give them a reason to ask you why you didnt change your name, especially if you really want to change it.

Let me add to your side note: ...AJO!!! ;)

Best luck in your interview, may the force (and papa Dios) be with you!!!

Jess

Like I said, it's a person decision and I don't agree you should change your name JUST for immigration. Just like I'm not paying extra for joint car insurance just for immigration. Those who want to will change it, those who don't, won't.

At our interview we'll have only been married 4 months, and I'm still getting everything switched over, but I don't see it as an issue.

Muchas gracias, y ojala que buenas cosas vengan a ustedes tambien.