Changing my last name

It’s definitely not wrong. If you don’t wanna change your name, then don’t. However, if you do and just don’t know how to, the first step is the social security office and then your license. It isn’t that much of a hassle. In my experience, I was able to just email copies of my new social and license to pretty much everyone else, so if you have to change your license anyway, you’re already half way there.

The name change done in the state of the marriage might be easier if the name change is stated as the preference on the license application. Some states require a court hearing otherwise. Of course, that is more of a technicality.

I wonder how long they have made it this detailed.

It’s not wrong not to change your name because you don’t want to change it. But a name change is for life whereas the inconvenience involved is pretty minor in the scheme of things if you do. Maybe you’re more ambivalent than you think.

I agree with others that if you actually WANT to use your new name, just bite the bullet and get it done. Once you have a copy of your marriage certificate, it will take you a couple of quick appointments and/or sending stuff in. To not change it because you don't want the hassle now doesn't seem to compare with a potential lifetime of hassles that it's not what you want it to be and the possibility that you'll use one name socially, but have a different name for all legal documents.

Laziness is not a good reason to not change your name, especially if you want to. You don't have to change every single thing at once but at least file the government paperwork and then take your time switching your name on other things. I've been married for years and still have some things in my maiden name - it's not a big deal. If you figured out how to post on be active on this website, I'm confident you can find the government website listed requirements and follow the simple directions.

It might help the procrastination monster to purchase a kit to assist you

https://newlynamed.com

Take it from a former divorcée. I change my last name and everything. It was even more of a pain to change it back after the divorce was done. If you truly do not want to change it. It’s not worth the headache. I am only willing to change it now because it is important to my fiancé. If he did care I wouldn’t bother!

View Quoted Comment He doesn’t care what I do. Socially, I will be referred to by his last name, regardless if I change it or not. But legally I will still be me. He and I agree “it’s just a name” but the only thing is that we want to have kids someday and that’s another can of worms. We aren’t planning having any time soon, but down the line it might be an issue.

If you want to change your name eventually, it will be MUCH easier to do it right after the wedding. Society is set up for that as a normal time to change your name. It’s a lot more annoying to do it any other time. Otherwise, I’d say don’t change your name legally if you don’t want to. Nothing stops you from still being referred to as Mrs HisName socially.