Married Name Use

[JustinS 44]

I know I've seen this on here somewhere before.  My wife needed a copy of our marriage license to send in the deed poll (I think that's what it's called) and get her name changed.  Can we/should we use her married name on the I-130/130A even though her name hasn't been changed officially? Of course, this is in process and we would put her maiden name under previous names used on the 130.  Thanks!

[JFH 12,190]

Is she from the U.K.? You mention deed poll which got me thinking we are talking about the U.K. She doesn't need to go through a deed poll to change her name upon marriage. A marriage certificate is a legal document that allows her to change her name, if she wishes. Note that in the U.K. and the USA it is not required for married women to change their name. They are absolutely allowed to keep their maiden name if they wish. 

 

Had she got a passport in her new name? The name on the I-130 should match her passport name to avoid confusion down the line.

[JustinS 44]

She wants to change her name.  And she doesn't at this point, but plans on updating her passport and all before the NVC/Interview stages... so I guess using the married name is the way to go. 

 

Yes she is from the UK.. lol

[JFH 12,190]

OK so no need for deed poll. She just makes a billion copies of the marriage certificate to send to banks, insurance, DVLA, doctor, employer, etc, etc to go through the tedious process of them all updating her name on their databases.