Name Change!!!!
At first it was exciting to make the big changes. My drivers ID, my name tag at work...becoming Mrs W in on paper as well as in everyday life....THEN it turns and it becomes tedious and somewhat pricey.
A sample list:
Social Security: although it is a long and boring wait, it is free...I believe that once this is changed anything tied to the number should be changed....If that actually happened this process would be so much easier and simple.Drivers Licenses: 5-10$- also a pain and they require a certified marriage certificate, not just a regular copy.
Credit Cards- Tedious. Each one has various rules and regulations you must follow. Some need copies of the paperwork, others don't. So in addition to looking up which company requires what you have to either mail or fax them each something.
Insurance (car/health): again fax in a copy and a letter of documents. This process was pretty quick.
Nursing Licenses (i have 6): PAIN IN THE ASS!!! Each state has different requirements. Some a copy that you have notarized, others fax over a simple piece of paper. Some cost between 50-100$ each to change as well...Sadly I don't have a "compact license" making anything in regards to my request to change my name on my licenses almost un- bearable.
Passport: 110$-140$ it is sad enough that my passport with all its stamps will now be an empty shell...But, I also see it as a jumping off point for all the memories my husband, my love and I will create on those pages. To change your name though, you must fill out the paperwork online then print in out, then mail it in. Wait 4-6 weeks and then you get a new one....
Bank Info: The bank itself wasn't that bad. Walk in and show your marriage certificate...DoNe. Sadly my debit card and such was not and after time on the phone, faxing in paperwork and such I still got a brand new card....with my maiden name on it.
Wouldn't it be easier to simply change my social security number and that starts the ripple effect down all the legal chains....
Whatever, I have lots of things that pop up here and there....I love my new name. I love how much it means to me and I love that no matter how many times I have to fill out paperwork, fax, mail or whatever with something it is a constant reminder that I am Mrs W. A name that I cherish. It makes my partnership with him so much more special to me...
Good luck on the pile of papers :)
I remember what a sprawl it was changing my name when I married back in the dark ages. When I divorced I wanted MY name returned and made that change during the legal mumbo jumbo. Later when I discovered the high cost of other "official" changes I, too balked. I was informed that as long as I wasn't trying to defraud anybody I could use any name I chose. Really? Reeeeeee-ally? Bet that wouldn't have worked at the DMV. Good luck.
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