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No prob!

I hear ya!!! Even the stages have stages! Do you feel discouraged about how long that stage seems to be lasting?

Use a bank statement or lease agreement

Agreed. Definitely valid options. Thanks for responding!

Firstly, I'm glad he insists on paying the bills lol 👏🏾 Are you guys working out of separate bank accounts? (Don't answer that here! But think about it) Would he consider putting certain bills in your name but still paying for those bills? For example, utilities? Cable? Also, switching any credit cards you already have to your new name should count. Anything specifically related to your career? For example, I'm an actress so all my business/brand documentation (including financially) is in my name. Gosh, I hope that helps! Also, check out some other comments here in the thread!

Hi there! From my understanding, the process and fees will be the same, with the exception of sending an official copy of the divorce decree instead of the marriage certificate. No need to submit your birth certificate or driver's license.

Hi! So the "court order" step seems to vary by state. When I google it, the search results say that in my state I would need a court order to change my name. BUT I did my entire process without the court order, and that was most likely because I was changing my name after marriage, NOT just because I wanted to change it. And the marriage certificate is proof enough in this scenario.

@@ForeverNewlywed TY kindly. That makes sense.

Hey there! I actually didn't need my passport expedited. BUT it's really simple to do. On the application, you can note that you want the passport expedited. ALSO, write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope. Keep in mind, there is a different PO Box address for expediting applications. Lastly, you will write one check, and that check will include the additional fee for expediting. If I'm not mistaken, it's an additional $60. Hope that helps!

I'm so glad you found the video helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I hope you are well!

Awww man!! That's beautiful. I'm sure you have a ton of tips 😃. Thank you so much for commenting. It means so much to me.

GREAT!! The name change process is still such an ordeal (understandably so), and I hope to help any way that I can! Thank you for posting a comment!

Haha! I know right! What an ordeal!! But I'm glad you still found it helpful. And hopefully not overwhelming. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

Pro Tip! Thank you so much for sharing! My mom has always been a huge advocate for being financially independent despite being in a relationship. Or at least having a sure-fire way of being able to support yourself. It's def such an interesting topic because where the financial load lands can either put pressure on the relationship or, through communication, help build it. I appreciate you taking the time to share!

Amen amen! I really have to get back to posting prayer videos. LOL please check on me if I haven't posted one by the end of September!

Hey there! How's your process going? I would say yes! It may depend on your state, but as far as I know, just send what they are asking for. I only had to send in an official copy of my marriage certificate (as far as proof was concerned). And when they sent my new passport, I got it back.

Wonderful!! So glad I could help make it easier for you. And thanks for taking the time to comment!

Hey! Just wanted to check on you. How are things going since you last commented? Patience is certainly tested during loss, but as parents, keeping the communication going takes effort. And like you said, life keeps going, so we have to intentionally stop. Just stop and talk. Even if it's just for 5 or 10 minutes before rushing to the next thing. Isolation is such a dangerous space. It's lonely and we end up left with our own thoughts, which when we are grieving, can skew more negative. Counsel is a safe place. Seeking help, and talking things out (even when it is uncomfortable) is so helpful. Even if your partner feels like they are talking in circles. Words have a way of bringing life. But we have to be careful not to speak death to our hope. The children will observe how you both handle this period. If they are of age to understand, try not to exclude them from what is happening. They will understand if you and/or your partner explain that sometimes you're still sad, or angry, etc. But that every day you are working to heal from the loss.

Hey Mama! Love you too. Thanks for always being so supportive!

Hey hey! You would fill out the DS-82 with your new name, and make sure you attach the requested documents that prove that you have reason to change your name.

Maiden name

Your marriage livens will have your name on it as such: Your name before marriage : Example (Diana Johnson) Your husband last name is Smith After your name on marriage certificate it will say. Diana Johnson New Surname: Smith They do it like this so that when you go to change last name on documents they know it’s you who is changing the last name. That’s why they also include your current address/ D.O.B and city/state or country you was born in. Which helps in identifying you. Plus you have to bring proof that backs up what the marriage certificate says .

Mine has maiden

No

That's right! You are the only one who is applying for the name change, so it doesn't matter that your addresses are not the same.

You're so welcome! 😊 Very happy the information helped.

Noted! ☑️

Yay! So glad you found it to be helpful! Thank you for taking the time to comment.

@@ForeverNewlywed absolutely welcome 🙏🏽

💕

You're so welcome! I'm glad to be of service 😁 Thank you for taking time to comment

Hey there! Yes you can! You'd go through the same steps. When you change your name on your Social Security Card, fill out the paperwork with the entire new name that you are changing to. So, you'd put the entire hyphenated name (original last name - new married name) on the line that asks what the new last name will be. You can also opt NOT to hyphenate it, and just make it a double last name. Your middle name remaining the same wouldn't affect the process 👍🏾 Everything from there gets easier because your SSC will serve as proof of what the new full last name will be. Let me know if the process was any different than this. I'm always looking out for any changes that may have happened in the passed few years.

Sweet! I'm so glad you found it helpful. And please, let me know if you discover some tidbits along the way that would make the process even easier!

Hey! You would fill out the DS-82 with your new name, and make sure you attach the requested documents that prove that you have reason to change your name.

Thank you for sharing that! Really great to know that there is a perk in case a renewal falls within the sam year timeline of a wedding! Really great to share within the community!

Howdy! You would fill out the DS-82 with your new name, and make sure you attach the requested documents that prove that you have reason to change your name (i.e. marriage certificate, etc).

Whoooop!!!🙌🏾 Thanks for supporting!!!

Yay!!! Congrats on 5 years 👏🏾 And you're right on time with your name change 😁 Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and I really appreciate your compliment!

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

I am eagerly anticipating your upcoming video. Implementing effective SEO strategies for it will significantly enhance its visibility, attracting a broader audience to your content.@@ForeverNewlywed

You said it perfectly! Thank you so much 🙏🏾💕

I am so glad you watched ❤️ And I truly appreciate your comments. As you mentioned, a healthy marriage is the goal! And we are just trying to learn what that means and how it plays out in marriage from day to day. I too love when the hubs comes in to speak with me, and I plan to have him join me more often 😊

LOL for those who need to get straight to the point 😉

Yes! Needed to update my Welcome page. Looking forward to launching some new stuff on all my social media platforms 😁

For real! I really would catalog the times when he made me mad or did something that I might want to do the same to him so he knows how it feels. It literally never works out the way I imagine lol. So, def tossing that way of thinking. It will not help "us" in the long run!

That's a great call out. From what I read, the process is generally the same. For example, some people take their middle name out and make their maiden name the middle name, while also taking on the new last name. And the application is the same. Is this something you would like to do or have done? (change middle name)

I have 4 names(first name, middle name, moms last name and dads last name). What if I wanted to drop two names and add my surname? Is it the same process? Is it more expensive? What’s the process?

You're so welcome! Thank you for taking the time to comment and for following along with the series. Feel free to drop suggestions for videos also 😉

I feel you!! But why don't you keep your last name until AFTER you graduate? :) I've been married for almost two years and just now changing my last lame. lol I don't think there is a penalty for waiting this long

Same ! I’m changing it 3 years later

Lol I agree with Graciela and Veronica! This video is for those who are ready to make the change and who want to make the change. Def no mandates here. But I noticed you said your spouse had a hand in making the decision. CONGRATS on graduating 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 You did the thang! You earned it and you should be super proud! Maybe in 30 years when you're more accustomed to your new name, it won't feel so bad. Personally, I earned my degree before I got married so it still says my maiden name.

I am definitely waiting until after. Thank you ladies. 🧡

No problem! I hope it helps 👍🏾 Thanks for taking the time to comment!

I had to look at the site again myself! Did you send yours electronically or by mail? When I did it by mail, it said I had to sign it. And everything went smoothly. BUT maybe you had a different experience? Lol if you didn't sign it and all went well, I say, "great"!

Great question! So, you don't have any footprint left in the U.S. where you can have a U.S. address? From what I've read, you'll just need documents to prove that you are a US citizen. So, a previous passport, your birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship. I've not had to do the process from this lens before so if you have more clarity, please share! I know it would help someone else.

Thanks bro! Yes, doing my best to be more consistent. Always glad to see you in the comments 👋🏾

CONGRATULATIONS!!! How was the wedding?? I really appreciate what you said about keeping the love alive. And people don't realize that even the way they ask certain questions creates a negative response, and/or puts the couple on the defensive. So, hopefully, we'll lead with love in how we encourage other couples!

You don’t even need to print it now I did it online and just went in with if and marriage certificate

Hey y'all! That's great to know. Part of the video is still a step-by-step based on what I actually did. But I'm glad that things have become simpler along the way!