Hi. I posted this on the general etiquette board because I wasn't even aware that there was a local board!! I am hoping some MA Ladies can help?? Thanks!!
I don't know where else to post this. If we chose to take our FIs last name or to hyphenate it, do we HAVE to change our last names with SSA, banks, work, etc. Or can we just keep using our maiden name with things?
I have read different opinions on this. When is our last name LEGALLY changed? When we sign the marriage certificate or when we go to the SSA?
Is there any "deadline" as to when someone should change their last name w/SSA, bank, etc. I know for tax purposes it could be an issue, but can someone still file under their maiden name since they go by the ss# anyways?
Re: Changing last name?? HELP Please!
1. Change it with SSA. You can't do it anywhere else until then.
2. Once SSA is done, go to the RMV and do it there.
3. Change it everywhere else after that.
So... it seems pretty self-explanatory, but like you, I also don't understand when you can officially call yourself by your new last name. My mom's friend (who has gotten married within the last ten years) said you can use your new last name right away, but I doubt I'd want to be signing checks with a different last name than what's listed on my checkbook... I dunno. It's confusing as heck to me.
Also, I read somewhere that if you don't alert SSA and the IRS, they won't link your new name to your old credit score, meaning you may have credit issues.
Wow, this really wasn't helpful, was it? I'm sorry!
[QUOTE]I'm having the same worries as you, and here's what I've heard so far: 1. Change it with SSA. You can't do it anywhere else until then. 2. Once SSA is done, go to the RMV and do it there. 3. Change it everywhere else after that. So... it seems pretty self-explanatory, but like you, I also don't understand when you can officially call yourself by your new last name. My mom's friend (who has gotten married within the last ten years) said you can use your new last name right away, but I doubt I'd want to be signing checks with a different last name than what's listed on my checkbook... I dunno. It's confusing as heck to me. Also, I read somewhere that if you don't alert SSA and the IRS, they won't link your new name to your old credit score, meaning you may have credit issues. Wow, this really wasn't helpful, was it? I'm sorry!
Posted by Joanna2385[/QUOTE]
It just seems so much easier to keep my maiden name legally & then to use FIs last name socially. That's how we put it when we applied for the license this morning. I was struggling with it so they are holding it for me until tomorrow if I want to hyphenate or anything.
My concern is that if/when I change my name w/the SSA that means I will HAVE to change it immediately with my job, bank, etc so that my name matches with everything when filing taxes. Not really in the mood to deal with the hassle of going through all that right now.
But on the flipside, I don't want to pay $165 to change it later on. I also just read something that if you wait more than 2 yrs after you get married you have to provide some additional proof of your former name?? What a headache this whole thing has become!!
***My Planning Bio***
My friend gave me a gift card to the site (she used this to change her last name when she got married) and it's so super easy! They notify SSA, banks, RMV... everywhere! It'll save you time if you go through this service.
Just a thought if you decide to change your name.
[QUOTE]If you want to legally use your maiden name then don't change your name anywhere and don't put on your marriage license that you will be taking his name last name If you change your name at one place, you should change everywhere. You can't be two people at once
Posted by Kfudge0714[/QUOTE]
I know a few people who have done this. They've put their husband's last names on the license but still haven't changed their name anywhere else... & they've been married for years. Not sure what their reasons are for not doing it yet, but they haven't.
[QUOTE]It's legally changed once you go to Social Security and then you should shortly there after change it with the DMV and your job for tax and identity reasons. Currently I'm legally one thing with SS and waiting to get my new SS card so I can change everything else. I still sign my maiden name because I have no proof (that I carry with me) to show my new last name if the cashier or whoever needed to check my ID to match my signature.
Posted by jaime10285[/QUOTE]
Alright, that makes more sense to me! I suppose you could use your new last name socially but not officially until everyone is informed. After the SSA and RMV are all set, the rest sounds like the same type of minor inconvenience that moving brings: trying to remember everyone you ever do business with!
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