Changing My Last Name

Changing My Last Name

August 21st, 2006 @ 8:17 am by Mrs. Ladybug
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I have a question.

If you’re planning on changing your last name, do you go by the laws of the state that you got married in or the state that you reside in? Since I got married in Philly but live in Jersey I’m not sure which one to go by. Somebody help me?

Tags: legal, new-york |

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10 Responses to “Changing My Last Name”

Guest

Miss Daisy

in New York, as long as you are a resident of this state, you can do your name change here.
i’ve helped friends change names here (though not to married names–more like to “stage” names), and it’s a pretty easy process through Civil Court. really easy paperwork! e me if you want me to grab you copies of the forms and send them to you… (they have them by my work).

8/21/06 @ 9:01 am (reply)

Guest

Miss Daisy

just found this link as well:
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/forms/namechange.shtml

8/21/06 @ 9:03 am (reply)

Guest

Mrs. Ladybug

but i reside in new jersey. it’s different isn’t it?

8/21/06 @ 9:06 am (reply)

Guest

Miss Daisy

ack! i saw “New” and immediately assumed “York” followed it. (i am so city-centric!)
here’s the NJ one, but hopefully here’s a Jersey bride here who can help:
http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/prose/10551.pdf

8/21/06 @ 9:15 am (reply)

Guest

Mrs. Ladybug

awwwwww thanks miss daisy! you da bestest!

8/21/06 @ 9:16 am (reply)

Guest

I may be wrong, but I think changing your name for marriage purposes is different from changing your name for any other purpose. When I changed my last name in CA to my husband’s last name, I had to go to the Social Security office and then go to DMV (You need to have your marriage license with you). I did not have to file anything with the court. The process should be similar in other states, but I’m not sure.

On the other hand, if you’re changing your name for any other reason (e.g. Miss Daisy’s friends who wanted “stage” names), you have to file a motion with the court and post newspaper notices, etc. It’s much more complicated.

8/21/06 @ 10:01 am (reply)

Guest

shanbrite2

JG is right; I just changed my name (a mere year after the wedding, but who’s counting?), and you need to change it with the state you reside in (have a driver’s license in) and with the gov’t through Social Security. I had a friend who wanted to change her name back to her maiden name years after her marriage while she was still married and she did have to go through court, etc. Have fun at DMV and SS!

8/21/06 @ 3:33 pm (reply)

Guest

Mish

Got married in NY, took his name on the license. Then did the name change in NJ, where I live. You just go to the Social Security office and start from there. It’s easiest if you have your new SS card first. Also keep a copy of your marriage license - many places require it before they change your name (some credit cards, etc.).

8/21/06 @ 4:35 pm (reply)

Guest

Ashley

I’d say state of residence–that’s what we’re going by, anyway.

8/21/06 @ 10:59 pm (reply)

10.

Guest

Hali

Where can you find out where a ss office is in NYC?

4/3/08 @ 3:34 pm (reply)