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Changing Your Name When You Get Married in Texas

Posted by Chris Peterson | Aug 30, 2013 | 0 Comments

Changing Your Name When You Get Married in Texas

Runaway BrideGetting married is a big event in our culture, a time for hope and optimism. Brides are most often responsible for planning the event, a task the ladies are usually more than willing to take on. If you are in the midst of planning your big day, one of the details you'll want to think about is changing your name.

Though not legally required, around 80 percent of women leave their maiden names behind and assume their husbands names when they get married. Brides who plan to follow the majority should plan to implement their name change legally and universally. Women who are on the fence or not diligent about following through can end up with a mess of identities to untangle.

To change your name after your marriage, you must submit a series of forms notifying several different government agencies, including the Social Security Administration and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Informing Social Security has two purposes. Within 10 days of notifying the Social Security Administration, they will automatically inform the IRS of your new name change for you. Failure to alert Social Security could end up causing the IRS to reject your tax return if you file your taxes under your new married name, since your name no longer matches your social security number in their records.

Your bank will ask for your new identification to change the names on your bank accounts. Likewise, your employer will need copies to verify employment eligibility for the personnel files. This should also allow your employer to begin issuing your paychecks in your new name.

Finally, you should alert your creditors. Your name on your credit cards needs to match your driver's license. Plus, even if you continue to pay your bills, your good credit history may not follow your new name if your creditor doesn't make the change on your existing account.

For other family law questions, call the experienced attorneys at Peterson Law Group. We review your situation and help you overcome legal hurdles, with  extensive experience in family law, estate planning, and business law cases. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 979-703-7014.

About the Author

Chris Peterson

Chris Peterson is the owner of Peterson Law Group. He practices primarily in the areas of wills, trusts and estate planning; probate and trust administration; elder law; and business law. Chris is also the owner of Brazos 1031 Exchange Company.

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