Which last name to use when filing for AOS? (merged)

[ParabolaEulogy 21]

Dear all,

My fiance (USC) and I will get married in 3 weeks, here in California. Could any of you please enlighten me on the following?

1/ Will I have to use his last name on the marriage certificate (and thus abandon my own last name)

2/ Which name will I have to use when filing for AOS (my last name, as shown on my K1, or his?)

Thanks so much, I am rather confused about it all.

[ParabolaEulogy 21]

Dear all,

My fiance (USC) and I will get married in 3 weeks, here in California. Could any of you please enlighten me on the following?

1/ Will I have to use his last name on the marriage certificate (and thus abandon my own last name)

2/ Which name will I have to use when filing for AOS (my last name, as shown on my K1, or his?)

Thanks so much, I am rather confused about it all

[EM_Vandaveer 2,369]

Depends on if you want to take his last name or not. Nobody forces you to take your husband's last name, but if you choose to then use that on the forms. If you choose to keep your maiden name, use that on the forms.

Edited June 28, 2016 by EM_Vandaveer

[ParabolaEulogy 21]

Depends on if you want to take his last name or not. Nobody forces you to take your husband's last name, but if you choose to then use that on the forms. If you choose to keep your maiden name, use that on the forms.

Excellent! Thank you Can I keep my last name yet also acquire his last name when marrying? I'd love to have both last names on my marriage certificate. I just don't know if California allows this, however.

[Unidentified 2,930]

Excellent! Thank you Can I keep my last name yet also acquire his last name when marrying? I'd love to have both last names on my marriage certificate. I just don't know if California allows this, however.

I don't see why they wouldn't let you do this.

And please don't create more than one thread on the same subject.

[JamnSol 35]

I helped my wife fill out the forms, and in California, either/both husband and or wife can change their name to pretty much anything they want when getting married. Combination of middle names, of last names of middle and last names, anything you want.

It is in the marriage license application form that you fill out at the clerks office.

Good luck!

[MariaR323 199]

You have the choice to keep your name as is, take his last name or even hyphenate both last names... it's your choice.

When you file AOS you will use your current name - so if you choose to take his last name you will file as such and also list your previous (birth name) as names used previously. You want the AOS filled out correctly with the name you will be using be it your (new) married name or your same name unchanged.

Hope I didn't confuse you more with this.

[ParabolaEulogy 21]

Thanks ever so much everyone ! You have clarified it for me, I'm very grateful.

Hope you are all well.