Congratulations on your upcoming marriage in Florida! Along with planning the wedding, you may also be considering changing your name. This is a significant decision, and there are a few things you need to know before you proceed. In this article, we'll cover the name change process in Florida after marriage, including the required forms, fees, and timeline.
Getting married in Florida is a wonderful experience, and one of the most important decisions you'll make is whether or not to change your name. Whether you're taking your spouse's last name, combining your last names, or keeping your own, there are a few things you need to know about the name change process in Florida.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the name change process in Florida after marriage, let's dive into the details. In the next section, we'll provide step-by-step instructions on how to change your name, including the required forms, fees, and timeline.
Name Change in Florida After Marriage
Here are 9 important points to remember:
- File petition with court
- Include marriage certificate
- Pay filing fee
- Attend court hearing
- Receive court order
- Update Social Security card
- Update driver's license
- Notify banks and creditors
- Update passport (if needed)
Changing your name after marriage in Florida is a relatively simple process, but it does require some time and effort. By following these steps, you can ensure that your name change is processed smoothly and efficiently.
File Petition with Court
To initiate the name change process in Florida after marriage, you need to file a petition with the court. This petition is a legal document that requests the court to change your name. You can obtain the petition form from the clerk's office of the circuit court in the county where you reside.
The petition must include the following information:
- Your current name
- Your proposed new name
- Your date and place of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Your marital status
- The date and place of your marriage
- A statement explaining why you want to change your name
You must also attach a copy of your marriage certificate to the petition.
Once you have completed the petition, you need to file it with the clerk's office of the circuit court. There is a filing fee associated with this, which varies depending on the county.
After you file the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence to support your request for a name change. This evidence may include your marriage certificate, your driver's license, or other forms of identification.
If the court approves your petition, you will be issued a court order that changes your name. You will need to take this court order to the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles to update your records.
Include Marriage Certificate
When you file a petition to change your name in Florida after marriage, you must include a copy of your marriage certificate. This is a vital document that proves you are legally married and that you have the right to change your name.
- Original or certified copy:
You can obtain an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office where you were married. There is a small fee associated with this.
- Translated copy (if necessary):
If your marriage certificate is not in English, you must have it translated by a certified translator. The translation must be attached to the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Submit with petition:
Once you have obtained a copy of your marriage certificate, you must attach it to your petition for name change. The petition is the legal document that you file with the court to request a name change.
- Bring to hearing:
You must also bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate to your court hearing. The judge will need to see the marriage certificate in order to approve your petition.
If you do not have a copy of your marriage certificate, you can contact the county clerk's office where you were married to request a copy. You can also order a copy of your marriage certificate online from the Florida Department of Health.
Pay Filing Fee
When you file a petition to change your name in Florida after marriage, you must pay a filing fee. This fee varies depending on the county in which you file the petition. In most counties, the filing fee is around $150.
You can pay the filing fee in person at the clerk's office of the circuit court. You can also pay the fee online in some counties.
If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you may be able to get a fee waiver. To apply for a fee waiver, you must file a motion with the court. The motion must explain why you cannot afford to pay the filing fee.
If the court approves your motion, you will not have to pay the filing fee. However, you may still have to pay other costs associated with the name change process, such as the cost of publishing a notice in the newspaper.
It is important to note that the filing fee is non-refundable. This means that even if your petition is denied, you will not get your filing fee back.
Attend Court Hearing
After you file a petition to change your name in Florida after marriage, the court will schedule a hearing. The purpose of the hearing is for the judge to review your petition and to determine if you have a valid reason for changing your name.
You must attend the court hearing in person. You cannot send someone else to represent you.
At the hearing, you will need to present evidence to support your request for a name change. This evidence may include your marriage certificate, your driver's license, or other forms of identification. You may also need to explain to the judge why you want to change your name.
The judge will consider all of the evidence and testimony before making a decision. If the judge approves your petition, you will be issued a court order that changes your name.
Here are some tips for attending your court hearing:
- Arrive early: It is important to arrive at the courthouse early so that you have time to go through security and find the courtroom.
- Dress appropriately: You should dress in a respectful manner for your court hearing.
- Be prepared to answer questions: The judge may ask you questions about your petition and why you want to change your name. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and concisely.
- Be respectful: The judge and the court staff are there to help you. Be respectful of them and follow their instructions.
Receive Court Order
If the judge approves your petition to change your name, you will be issued a court order that changes your name. The court order will state your new name and your old name.
You will need to take the court order to the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles to update your records. You may also need to provide the court order to your bank, credit card companies, and other institutions.
It is important to keep the court order in a safe place. You may need to provide it to other institutions in the future, such as when you apply for a passport or a professional license.
Here are some things to keep in mind about the court order:
- The court order is not a new birth certificate: The court order does not replace your birth certificate. Your birth certificate will still show your old name.
- You may need to change your name on other documents: In addition to updating your records with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may also need to change your name on other documents, such as your passport, driver's license, and bank accounts.
- You may need to notify other people of your name change: You may also need to notify your friends, family, and employer of your name change.
Update Social Security Card
After you receive your court order changing your name, you need to update your Social Security card. You can do this by visiting your local Social Security office.
- Bring the following documents:
When you visit the Social Security office, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Your court order changing your name
- Your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Your driver's license or other government-issued ID
- Your Social Security card
- Complete an application:
You will also need to complete an application for a new Social Security card. You can get the application at the Social Security office or you can download it online.
- Pay a fee:
There is a $25 fee to replace a Social Security card. You can pay the fee with a credit card, debit card, or money order.
- Receive your new card:
Your new Social Security card will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
Once you have updated your Social Security card, you can start updating your other records, such as your driver's license, bank accounts, and credit cards.
Update Driver's License
After you receive your court order changing your name, you need to update your driver's license. You can do this by visiting your local driver's license office.
To update your driver's license, you will need to bring the following documents:
- Your court order changing your name
- Your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate
- Your current driver's license
- Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
You will also need to pay a fee to update your driver's license. The fee varies depending on the state in which you live.
Once you have submitted all of the required documents and paid the fee, you will be issued a new driver's license with your new name.
It is important to update your driver's license as soon as possible after you change your name. This is because your driver's license is a form of identification that is often used by law enforcement and other government agencies. If your driver's license does not match your other identification documents, you may be asked to provide additional proof of your identity.
Notify Banks and Creditors
Once you have updated your Social Security card and driver's license, you need to notify your banks and creditors of your name change. This is important so that your accounts can be updated and so that you can continue to access your money and credit.
- Contact your banks:
Contact your banks and credit unions to let them know that you have changed your name. You will need to provide them with your new name, your old name, your account numbers, and a copy of your court order changing your name.
- Contact your credit card companies:
Contact your credit card companies to let them know that you have changed your name. You will need to provide them with your new name, your old name, your account numbers, and a copy of your court order changing your name.
- Contact your other creditors:
Contact any other creditors that you have, such as your mortgage company, student loan servicer, or car loan lender. You will need to provide them with your new name, your old name, your account numbers, and a copy of your court order changing your name.
- Update your online accounts:
Update your online accounts to reflect your new name. This includes your banking accounts, credit card accounts, and any other online accounts that you have.
It is important to notify your banks and creditors of your name change as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that your accounts are updated and that you can continue to access your money and credit without any problems.
Update Passport (if Needed)
If you have a valid passport, you do not need to update it immediately after you change your name. However, you should update your passport before it expires. To update your passport, you will need to submit the following documents to the U.S. Department of State:
- A completed DS-5504 form
- Your current passport
- A copy of your court order changing your name
- A fee
You can submit your passport renewal application online or by mail. If you submit your application online, you will need to pay the fee with a credit card or debit card. If you submit your application by mail, you can pay the fee with a check or money order.
Once your passport renewal application has been processed, you will be issued a new passport with your new name.
It is important to note that if you are planning to travel internationally soon, you should update your passport as soon as possible. This is because it can take several weeks for your passport renewal application to be processed.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your name in Florida after marriage:
Question 1: How long does it take to change my name in Florida after marriage?
Answer 1: The time it takes to change your name in Florida after marriage can vary depending on the county in which you file your petition. However, it typically takes around 60 to 90 days to complete the process.
Question 2: How much does it cost to change my name in Florida after marriage?
Answer 2: The filing fee to change your name in Florida after marriage varies depending on the county in which you file your petition. However, it typically costs around $150.
Question 3: What documents do I need to file a petition to change my name in Florida after marriage?
Answer 3: You will need to file a petition with the court, which includes your current name, your proposed new name, your date and place of birth, your Social Security number, your marital status, the date and place of your marriage, and a statement explaining why you want to change your name. You will also need to attach a copy of your marriage certificate to the petition.
Question 4: Do I need to attend a court hearing to change my name in Florida after marriage?
Answer 4: Yes, you will need to attend a court hearing to change your name in Florida after marriage. The hearing is typically scheduled within 60 to 90 days of filing your petition.
Question 5: What should I do after I receive the court order changing my name?
Answer 5: Once you receive the court order changing your name, you will need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and passport (if needed). You will also need to notify your banks, credit card companies, and other creditors of your name change.
Question 6: Can I change my name back to my maiden name after divorce in Florida?
Answer 6: Yes, you can change your name back to your maiden name after divorce in Florida. You can do this by following the same process as outlined above for changing your name after marriage.
Question 7: I am not sure if I want to change my name after marriage. What should I do?
Answer 7: If you are not sure if you want to change your name after marriage, you can wait until after the wedding to decide. There is no deadline for changing your name, and you can do it at any time.
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about changing your name in Florida after marriage. If you have any other questions, you should contact the clerk of the circuit court in the county where you reside.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you change your name in Florida after marriage:
Tip 1: Start the process early.
The name change process can take several weeks or even months, so it's best to start the process as soon as possible after you get married.
Tip 2: Gather all of the required documents.
Before you file your petition to change your name, make sure you have all of the required documents, including your marriage certificate, your driver's license, and your Social Security card.
Tip 3: Be prepared for the court hearing.
At the court hearing, you will need to explain to the judge why you want to change your name. Be prepared to answer questions about your marriage and your reasons for changing your name.
Tip 4: Update your records promptly.
Once you receive the court order changing your name, you will need to update your records with all of the relevant government agencies and businesses. This includes your Social Security card, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts.
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By following these tips, you can make the name change process in Florida after marriage as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Conclusion
Changing your name in Florida after marriage is a relatively simple process, but it does require some time and effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your name change is processed smoothly and efficiently.
Here are some key points to remember:
- You must file a petition with the court in the county where you reside.
- You will need to include a copy of your marriage certificate with your petition.
- There is a filing fee associated with the name change process.
- You will need to attend a court hearing.
- Once the judge approves your petition, you will be issued a court order changing your name.
- You will need to update your Social Security card, driver's license, and passport (if needed).
- You will also need to notify your banks, credit card companies, and other creditors of your name change.
Changing your name after marriage is a significant decision, but it is one that many people make. If you are considering changing your name after marriage in Florida, I encourage you to do your research and to follow the steps outlined in this article.
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