Changing Your Name After Marriage: What San Jose Couples Need to Know

There are numerous details to attend to when getting married in Santa Clara County, along with a variety of personal decisions you will need to make. One of these concerns potential name changes.

Some couples are inclined to follow tradition and have one spouse take the other’s last name, while others prefer to keep their own or explore other options. Our San Jose name change lawyer explains what local couples need to know in terms of legal requirements, the process involved, and the factors to consider before making your decision.

Getting Married In San Jose? Common Name Change Options

If you are one of the many couples planning on getting married in San Jose, congratulations! You no doubt are busy making arrangements, both for your wedding day and for your life afterward. One of the things you need to consider concerns whether you or your spouse will change their name.

In California, you have several options when it comes to changing your name after getting married:

• Take your spouse’s last name, which is the most traditional option;
• Hyphenate last names, combining with a hyphen to reflect both partners’ identities;
• Create a blended last name, merging parts of each name to create a new one;
• Keep your current last name, whether for professional, personal, or cultural reasons;
• Continue using your maiden name professionally while using your spouse’s last name on legal documents.

Under the California Code, changing your name after marriage is generally straightforward, provided you choose your spouse’s last name. Other changes, such as blending names, may require a court petition.

Factors to Consider Before Changing Your Name In San Jose

Planning a wedding keeps you busy. Amid all the other details you need to address, be sure not to overlook potential name changes.

Whether you choose to keep your own name, take your spouses, or one of the other options, it can have legal, professional, and emotional implications. Factors to consider before changing your name in San Jose include:

• Paperwork: Your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, and other records must be updated if you choose to change your name.
• Professional identity: If you’ve built a career under your current name, switching to a new one could cause recognition or branding challenges.
• Family and cultural traditions: Some people feel strongly about keeping their birth name due to family history or cultural heritage.
• Future children’s last names: If you plan to have children, consider how their last names will be handled.

Keep in mind that taking your spouse’s last name can be done with a marriage certificate. If creating a new last name, you will need to file a legal name change petition through the Santa Clara County Court.

To Discuss Your Options, Contact Our San Jose Name Change Lawyer Today

If you are getting married, take time to carefully consider potential name changes. At Argyris Mah, LLP, we make the process simple and stress-free. To discuss your options, contact our office. Request a consultation with our San Jose name change lawyer today.

Sources:

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1276.&lawCode=CCP

ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name