Name change

[the2ofus 0]

I got my green card a year ago in November. I never changed my name because of various reasons but now we are buying a house and we want to have the same last name on the mortgage loan and all the other papers.

What do I need to do? Do I starts with USCIS or do I start with SSA?

Does anyone know how long does it take or what is the fee for this?

Should I wait until we apply next year for my permanent resident card and just change the name on our loan at that time?

Thanks...any help is greatly appreciated!!!

[CountryBoy 0]

I don't know that the name matters that much or if the info I tell you here will be relevant to your case at all but...

I did happen to talk to my circuit clerk today about getting my step-daughters name changed, she said that if I adopt or attempt a name change before my step-daughter gets her citizenship that it is a real pain in the butt. She said I will have to hire a lawyer if I want to do it right .. according to her the name change itself is granted thru the court first and then all name changes elsewhere are done by providing proof of the name change to them, but to get it accomplished a lawyer will have to fill out several papers, supply birth certificate, get paperwork from the philippines, etc. but if I wait another year and she becomes naturalized then I pay $160 and I can get it done within a week without a lawyer.

Now, that being said .. my step-daughter is a minor and that may play into the complication involved with her name change. Since you are not a minor and had the opportunity to change your name at the time of your marriage it may be as simple as contacting your circuit clerk (or whoever you get a marriage license from in your state) and signing a paper. I'm sure changing your name thru the bank, uscis, ssa, irs, etc. etc. is what will take some time ..

Good luck !!!!

[the2ofus 0]

I don't know that the name matters that much or if the info I tell you here will be relevant to your case at all but...

I did happen to talk to my circuit clerk today about getting my step-daughters name changed, she said that if I adopt or attempt a name change before my step-daughter gets her citizenship that it is a real pain in the butt. She said I will have to hire a lawyer if I want to do it right .. according to her the name change itself is granted thru the court first and then all name changes elsewhere are done by providing proof of the name change to them, but to get it accomplished a lawyer will have to fill out several papers, supply birth certificate, get paperwork from the philippines, etc. but if I wait another year and she becomes naturalized then I pay $160 and I can get it done within a week without a lawyer.

Now, that being said .. my step-daughter is a minor and that may play into the complication involved with her name change. Since you are not a minor and had the opportunity to change your name at the time of your marriage it may be as simple as contacting your circuit clerk (or whoever you get a marriage license from in your state) and signing a paper. I'm sure changing your name thru the bank, uscis, ssa, irs, etc. etc. is what will take some time ..

Good luck !!!!

Thank you for your reply. It provides me some info that I can start a research with

Waiting for my citizenship is also a good idea as well

Thnx