Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Dedicated June 2021

How long after you get married do you have to change your name?

Emily, on January 12, 2020 at 11:25 PM Posted in Planning 0 11

Saved

Flag
Hide content

So my FH and I are getting married in June. We recently found out that his mother has stage 4 brain cancer. She’s not doing well and there is a chance she may not make it until the wedding. His dad has asked us if we would consider doing a small ceremony at their home in private so that she could see us get married. There are no available dates at our venue for us to move up the wedding and honestly she wouldn’t have enough energy to attend a full event. His dad has requested that if we do this small ceremony that we keep it a secret. I’m not sure when we plan on doing this (if it comes that) but if we get our license and sign the certificate- is there a time limit for me to change my name? I wouldn’t want to change it until after both weddings.

Flag
Hide content

11 Comments

Latest activity by Meghan, on January 13, 2020 at 6:42 PM

Champion June 2019
Gen · on January 12, 2020 at 11:30 PM
Flag

Hide content
I would check with your state to be sure, but I’m 99% sure it doesn’t matter when you change it. My mom didn’t change hers until she was married for like 2 years lol (she thought she was going to keep her maiden name but then when she got pregnant decided to change it)
- Reply
Champion June 2019
Gen · on January 12, 2020 at 11:30 PM
Flag

Hide content
Sorry to hear about your FMIL too
- Reply
Devoted October 2020
A · on January 12, 2020 at 11:45 PM
Flag

Hide content
So I did something similar. I think it may vary state to state because that is who issues licenses, so check on that. Mine was six months, so I changed it after the “secret wedding”, but still sign emails and generally go by my maiden name still, and I will until I have my public wedding.
- Reply
Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on January 12, 2020 at 11:56 PM
Flag

Hide content
Sorry to hear about your FMIL. As PP mentioned, this depends on your state.
- Reply
Super August 2021
Dierdra · on January 13, 2020 at 2:25 AM
Flag

Hide content
My condolences to your family. It's a very beautiful idea to do the small intimate ceremony!
- Reply
Savvy May 2021
Alex · on January 13, 2020 at 5:25 AM
Flag

Hide content
Not at all. The only thing is if you’re going to have joint insurance policies (like health), you legally only have 30 days to submit your license. It might be a headache to then change your name a while after.
- Reply
Super September 2026
Laura · on January 13, 2020 at 8:51 AM
Flag

Hide content
There is no issue at all. Leave your maiden name on all policies etc. Then submit a name change to all policies. Don't miss the 30 day window for policies and such, just give your maiden name. Also, the small ceremony doesn't have to be the legal one. Be creative with your options. I'm so very sorry.
- Reply
Master September 2019
Sherry · on January 13, 2020 at 9:38 AM
Flag

Hide content
So sorry about your FMIL. I am in Ga and I believe it is 3 months here.
- Reply
Legend June 2019
Melle · on January 13, 2020 at 11:18 AM
Flag

Hide content
I don't think so aha. One of my co-workers didn't change hers til ten years after they got married
- Reply
VIP August 2021
Jennifer · on January 13, 2020 at 2:41 PM
Flag

Hide content
I am so sorry for what your family is going through! I agree with PPs, it depends on your state/county. And I do agree with Laura, you could do a "spiritual" or "religious" private ceremony, and save the legal end until your scheduled wedding date. Once again, you and your family are in my prayers!
- Reply

Master October 2019
Meghan · on January 13, 2020 at 6:42 PM
Flag

Hide content
I’m sorry to hear about your FMIL.
I am sure different states do it differently, but my friend waited too long (7 years) and now has to petition the court. You won’t be waiting nearly that long, so I am sure you would be fine.
Another option would be to have the ceremony for your FMIL to witness, but not legally get married until your actual wedding.
- Reply