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Just Said Yes September 2019

Middle name addition at same time as last name change?

Julia, on July 5, 2019 at 2:06 AM Posted in California Planning 0 4

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As much as I've scoured the internet, I have not yet found an answer to this question:
I am getting married on September 14th and am planning on hyphenating my name, my last name first then my fiancé's. I had also been planning on making another change at the same time: my whole life, my parents told me I had 2 middle names. When I saw my birth certificate for the first time when I was 11, I was shocked to find that I officially only had 1 - my parents had never added the second to that document.
So I really wanted to finally add my second middle name when I get married. My question is, in the state of California, can I do this at the same time I change my last name?
I know that in CA they allow you to move your maiden name to your middle name. Since this is allowed, would I be able to add my second middle name as I am keeping my maiden name as part of my last name?
As interesting as it is to speculate, I'm really most interested in hearing from someone who knows for a fact whether this is allowed or not.

Thank you in advance!

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4 Comments

Latest activity by Stephnie, on July 18, 2019 at 4:47 PM

WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
Sinéad · on July 5, 2019 at 7:35 AM
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Hey Julia!! Congratulations on your engagement!!
Since you have searched online and have been unable to find the correct information, I would definitely suggest that you contact your own local government to get the answer to your question. As you mentioned, it’s fun to speculate but since you are looking for advice on legalities, I think it best that you try and get your answer from the most reliable source available to you! I hope you find your answer soon!
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Super October 2019
Jenna · on July 16, 2019 at 12:45 PM
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The marriage license application for LA County lists the changes you are able to make to your name when getting married. Try looking up the marriage license application for your local county (although you can typically get them in any county to get married anywhere in CA) and see if the options are listed there too. I would then contact your county clerk's office for clarification.
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Beginner March 2020
Abriana · on July 18, 2019 at 2:13 PM
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You're getting married on my birthday how funny!
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Dedicated February 2020
Stephnie · on July 18, 2019 at 4:47 PM
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Here is a link for you to the California Courts website. This is an official state court website. https://www.courts.ca.gov/1051.htm
It looks like to change anything other than your last name after you are married, you are going to have to file a petition with your local civil court branch. It looks like in some cases or counties you may have to get a court order just to change the last name anyway, but I have never seen it.
Your local court may have a free legal clinic if you need help. But there is also a self-help link to assist you with forms. https://www.courts.ca.gov/35393.htm
Good luck!
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