| New York middle name change? [message #704498] |
Thu, 22 March 2007 15:48  |
 waterflower
Messages: 48
Registered: January 2007
Location: New York, NY |
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Hi everyone - FH and I just got back from getting our marriage license. Our wedding is next saturday here in the city, and we're both really excited!
I knew I wanted to change my last name (love his name and his family), and agonized over what to do with my middle name. I've never liked the middle name my parents gave me, and since I'm working on an MBA and making a lot of contacts in the program, I decided that I really wanted to use MyFirst MyLast HisLast. I thought it was pretty popular, with women working on their careers before and after their marriages for several decades now.
So here's the disappointing part: the NY marriage license does not let you change your middle name. I asked, they answered "we do not handle middle names, just surnames." They wouldn't even let me leave my old middle initial out, since I had included it on my DL and passport. I am feeling very disappointed in the system, especially because I thought this was a common practice. I'm upset that I put so much thought into my new name without knowing that I was so restricted. As is stands now, my name will be MyFirst MyMiddleInitial HisLast.
I really wanted to keep my last name in there, especially for my diploma & school transcripts, but am not sure I'm willing to go through the more complicated legal procedure of changing my name. Will it be difficult to, at least professionally, be known with MyLast in there? My school seems pretty strict about making sure a new name matches a legal document. Maybe I'll just have to get over not having MyLast officially in there? It's disappointing... I was hoping to have MyLast on my ID's and other official stuff.
anyone else working through this? do you have any suggestions? it's very frustrating!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #707360] |
Sat, 31 March 2007 16:38  |
Heightsgirl
Messages: 35
Registered: October 2006
Location: Brooklyn |
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Hi,
I just realized that you're probably getting married at this very moment! Wow, congrats.
I'm in Brooklyn, 1.5 months out from my own NYC based festivities. I didn't know that about the marriage license. Kind of a bummer. We had both planned on taking each other's last names as our new middle names.
I've never cared either way about my given middle name, but the FH has used his given middle name as his first name since college. He was looking forward to getting rid of the unused first name once and for all.
I guess we'll have to got through the process and do a legal notice in the local paper. (I read those all the time. Many are quite funny. Someone drops 1 letter off for no apparent reason or changes from one long complicated first to another equally long and complicated name.)
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #707724] |
Mon, 02 April 2007 11:46 |
Mar
Messages: 444
Registered: August 2006
Location: NYC |
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I want to do this too (although actually take my mother's maiden name as my new middle). I find it suprising that one has to do the whole petition the court thing just to do this? Also I assume I should wait until I get my license in the mail? Seems a bit scary to start changing my name willy-nilly (ie credit cards, auto-deposit at work). Guess I'll do the SSN, driver's license, passport first once I get the license. I predict at least one day off work for this, annoying... for the SSN, you need original document (or official copy which I don't have), nervous about mailing this off.
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #728317] |
Mon, 11 June 2007 11:10 |
philosophia
Messages: 40
Registered: February 2007
Location: New York |
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Bumping this up because I'm curious what others have gone through to change their middle name. Is it very difficult, costly, etc.? I was hoping to have two middle names, with my last as a second middle name, has anyone else done this?
August 11, 2007
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #728349] |
Mon, 11 June 2007 12:53 |
Mar
Messages: 444
Registered: August 2006
Location: NYC |
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I still haven't figured this out either (see my post above) as I want to be Myfirst Mother'smaiden Hislast. I called and the person I finally spoke to said I had to petition the court etc. Been married almost 3 months and haven't offically changed a thing (except the marriage licence), lazy I know!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #728627] |
Tue, 12 June 2007 06:44 |
boogiewonderland
Messages: 922
Registered: October 2005
Location: NYC |
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I had heard that there were only three slots for your name on the license and you just put down whatever three names you wanted to use. I've had friends who wanted to keep their first middle last and add his last but then couldn't because there weren't enough slots.
Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death! -Auntie Mame
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #729672] |
Fri, 15 June 2007 12:14 |
rlk125
Messages: 14
Registered: May 2004
Location: NYC |
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I was just at NYC city hall yesterday to get the license and had the same problem - I wanted to become Myfirst Mylast Hislast and they won't allow that unless you hyphenate the two. Annoying to say the least. So the clerk said you had to do the name change through 60 Centre Street to do it and its $65. Personally, I think they don't allow you to do it so that they can just collect more money...but in any case I'll just do it after the wedding. Here's the NYC link regarding it:
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/civil/namechanges.s html
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #789462] |
Thu, 29 November 2007 11:37 |
Panny
Messages: 136
Registered: June 2007
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So annoyed today by this. We live in NY and got married in PA which doesn't put your married name anywhere on the license. So I changed my SS card first to MyFirst MyLast HisLast and no problem at all. I go to get my NY DL (which I didn't have before) and they refused to change my middle name because my passport had my original middle name on it. I said - but now my SS card (and my checks & credit cards since they're MyFirst MyLast HisLast) and my DL won't have the same name. Nope - wouldn't budge. The NY DMV will NOT change your middle name at all. It's so stupid because the first guy I spoke with had me sign with my new married name with MyLast initial as my middle. So now the signature on my DL is not the same as the NAME on the DL. DUMB!
Does anyone know about changing your passport? The submittal form seems to allow you to change it without a problem.
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #813962] |
Sun, 03 February 2008 20:45 |
lowrent
Messages: 182
Registered: December 2007
Location: New York |
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I wanted to bump this up again and let you know my experience with this so far in NYC. Fair warning - it's lengthy.
I have been planning all along to do MyFirst MyMiddle MyLast HisLast and after reading all the headaches on IB I did some research.
Yes, it is true that they do not allow anything but a last name change on the marriage certificate. Unless you want to hyphenate, which I do not, you have to go through the Name Change Petition process (there is a link to this info up-thread)
You can either print and fill out the forms yourself or use their interactive online form-filler-outer. It's actually pretty funny - there are avatars, one who "walks" the other up to the court house as you answer questions. At the end, though, you end up with the form all accurately filled out and you can just print it yourself to bring in to court. BUT FIRST you have to get it notarized.
**this is the part in the process where I am currently**
Next, I have to go to court with "proof of birth" and $65 and petition the judge. Then, if it gets approved, I have to publish it in a paper approved by the court and then file the affidavit once it is all said and done. FH is going with me when I go to court 'cause he's swell like that.
It's a lot of crap to go through and they don't seem to make it very simple, but it is important to me for many reasons to maintain use of my last name but also have FH's name. I have to wear this badge for the rest of my life, so it better be something I like, right?
Here endeth the long post.
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #853589] |
Tue, 06 May 2008 15:01 |
lowrent
Messages: 182
Registered: December 2007
Location: New York |
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I wanted to fully report back here after all my experiences with this recently. I posted in the MyFirst MyMiddle MyLast HisLast thread too.
I started the journey back in January or February and I think I am finally done with the whole process. In New York they don't make it super easy to do this, especially if you have a job during the day and can't spend endless hours waiting in non-moving lines in municipal buildings. Do I sound bitter? I'm not, I swear. The process was just so grossly inefficient that I want anyone else who does it to know what to expect. SO. Here are some important things to know about doing the middle name change in New York:
1. Have ALL your paperwork filled out accurately. You can download the forms off the website here: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/namechanges.shtml
2. In addition to proof of birth (birth certificate), a photo ID, and all the paperwork, you must also have Proof of Residence. Even if your address on your driver's license is correct, it doesn't count. You need a utility bill or something like it in your name with your current address on it.
3. Get there early, like when the building opens. I went to the Brooklyn office, and the building opened at 8 and the Name Change office opened at 9. They don't tell you this at the beginning, but unless you are one of the first 5 or 6 people to sign in, you will probably not get in to see the judge on the same day and you will have to come back, lather, rinse, repeat. I think it took me three tries to get everything straightened out.
4. They stated this on the paperwork, but you will have to publish the name change in a newspaper of the judge's choosing before the change becomes official. It's a rip off! But you have to do it. I think it cost me $50, plus the fees for the name change itself. The Civil Clerk's office will take money orders, so have them ready. The newspaper will probably take a credit card over the phone.
5. Money orders! Let me reiterate - have them ready when you get there, two separate ones, in order to pay the fees.
6. Once the change has been published in the paper, the paper should send you the affidavit and a copy or two of the printing of your name change. You have to take the affidavit back to the office and file it.
7. Bring cash to get several copies of your name change paperwork with the proper seal on it. Photocopies do not count. That way, when you have to go change your driver's license and all, you have proper documentation.
If anyone is doing this in NYC and has any questions, I would be happy to answer them. I am now, after much waiting in many lines and paying of many fees, the proud owner of MyFirst MyMiddle MyLast HisLast and hyphen free.
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #855374] |
Sun, 11 May 2008 11:18 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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Lowrent, I plan to change my middle name to my mother's maiden name and take FH's last name, but have a quick question you might be able to help with. I figured I'd get the marriage license with my current name and take FH's last name. Then afterwards begin the process to change my middle name. However, obviously I don't want to go through the process of changing all my ID/SS card etc. twice.
If I use my current information along with a copy of the marriage certificate, is that enough or does my ID have to reflect the new last name first?
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #855972] |
Mon, 12 May 2008 22:54 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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I understand the process you did, but think it's not as difficult to "shift" your maiden name to your middle name as it's a name you are already legally known by and have documentation with the name on it. I'm planning to change it to a name that is not currently part of my name, but my mother's maiden name. I do not wish to keep my maiden name however, due to having an extremely common first and middle name, there are about 80 people in the US (that I could find doing a people search) that will have the same name as me when I take FH's last name.
I've had issues in the past with another woman who has the same name as me now and that I know of, there are only about 5 of us in the US, two of whom I'm related too. If I take her maiden name, then I'm the only one. It would just make me feel more secure to do it all legally.
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #856148] |
Tue, 13 May 2008 12:21 |
lowrent
Messages: 182
Registered: December 2007
Location: New York |
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mrskit - you should be able to do it after the fact following the process for a legal name change. If I understand what you are going to do that is. Let me restate, and you can tell me if I am right or not:
When you get married, on the marriage license you plan to take FH's last name, thereby changing your name to YourFirst YourMiddle HisLast. Then, once all is said and done and you are ready to get your new IDs and everything, you plan to change your name, legally, to YourFirst YouMom'sMaiden HisLast, correct? So, effectively changing your last name first on the marriage certificate, and then afterward legally changing your middle name.
If this is your plan, you should be able to do the first part (last name change) on the marriage license/certificate no problem. They ONLY allow last name changes on the marriage license/certificate. Then, once that is all legalized and stuff, you should be able to go in with all your identification info (birth certificate, ID, marriage certificate, etc.) and do the Petition for a Name Change to change your middle name. Once that is complete and published and you've filed all the paperwork, then you can go get your new IDs and stuff.
It sounds unnecessarily complicated but does this make sense? I don't think you need to change your name on your IDs until you've done all the steps.
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #858095] |
Sun, 18 May 2008 04:27 |
Lina
Messages: 333
Registered: February 2007
Location: NYC |
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I was actually planning on changing my middle name before I actually get married so the marriage license will have the same name I will have later. For the people who've gone through this process, how long before the wedding should I go to get my name changed? In other words, how long does the process take?
TripleC Photography
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #858583] |
Mon, 19 May 2008 15:37 |
Lina
Messages: 333
Registered: February 2007
Location: NYC |
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lowrent, thanks much! I thought you were already married and changing your name after the fact.
I guess I should get it done soon then considering the wedding is in September... thanks for all your help and step by step instructions!
TripleC Photography
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #861201] |
Tue, 27 May 2008 11:05 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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Quick question in case anyone knows the answer... If I sign the marriage license with my new last name would that be my new legal name even if I don't change any of my ID? Mainly, I'm just not sure what name to put on the name change paperwork, my current last name or the new one.
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #861353] |
Tue, 27 May 2008 17:41 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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Yeah, I couldn't get anyone on the phone so my plan is to just go with two sets of paperwork and sort it out there...
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #884101] |
Thu, 24 July 2008 18:07 |
Portia
Messages: 2312
Registered: August 2007
Location: New York |
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No need to pay anything, nycmagyar; you don't have to go through a formal change of name.
Both the US Department of State and Social Security will still have their records under the name you were previously known by. If you're employed, make getting the Social Security records changed a priority, to reduce the possibility of not getting proper credit for time worked/paycheck contributions into the system.
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #885059] |
Sun, 27 July 2008 15:08 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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Just a quick update on my name-change process...
Based on lowrent's advice (which i thank her for) I filled out the paperwork with my married name and brought along a copy of my marriage license. The only things they noted was that my paperwork should actually include an AKA with my birth name so that it matched the birth certificate so if you fill it out online then you should put your birth name and then when it asks you if you go by other names as well, then you should put your married name in there.
I went to the one in Manhattan where I was told that you are never scheduled for the hearing on the same day regardless of what time you get there. I happened to have the day off, but waiting in line and filing the paperwork took all of 25 minutes so really, it probably wouldn't take more than someone's lunch hour and possibly a little longer for travel time to file the paperwork.
My hearing is scheduled for 11am on Aug 14th which was the soonest they have available. However, 11am is the same time for however many people they see that day and order can either be by case number or by name depending on the clerk. The guy did say that typically it will only take about 5-10 minutes for each person, but that you have to hope you don't get a complicated family issue or someone with a lot of felonies because then the judge has to ask them a lot of questions. Will update again after the hearing.
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #891961] |
Thu, 14 August 2008 10:59 |
ebnyc
Messages: 78
Registered: February 2008
Location: Brooklyn |
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Just wondering how long it took your marriage license to come in after your NYC officiant sent it in. We got married 6 weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for this to arrive in the mail so I can go to Social Security and the DMV to get new IDs (so I can then contact all the credit card companies, my HR office, etc to change my name).
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #893082] |
Sun, 17 August 2008 10:16 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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Dart: A little late in responding, but I think you have to go down there and file a correction form, not sure if they can just void it or not.
Ebnyc: We got ours back in 2 weeks. I agree that it sounds like a long time. I'd double check with your officiant on when they actually mailed it in.
Kisi: The hearing was sooo lame! Basically, I sat in a room for 45 minutes then they told everyone to go downstairs. Apparently you only have to sit there just is case the judge has a question. Now I'm waiting for it to be published on Wednesday and get the affadavit from the paper so I can bring that paperwork *back to the damn office* and then I'm all done. It's really an annoyingly lengthy process but I guess they don't want people to change names on a whim.
Edited to add that the hearing was at 11 and I was back in the office by 1ish so not too long of a wait.
[Updated on: Sun, 17 August 2008 10:19]
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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| Re: New York middle name change? [message #906409] |
Wed, 24 September 2008 10:31 |
mrskit
Messages: 256
Registered: March 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY |
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You definately can do a legal name change. They ask you to state a reason on the forms so you can just list that your changing to your husband's last name.
Prospect Park Boathouse - July 5, 2008!
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