need help in answering the forms in adjustment of status

[yllac 0]

for my name do I need to put my husband's family name now that we're married in filling the I 485? or do i need to go to judge's office to legally change my last name? from K1 visa to AOS

[Andrea&Henry 311]

if you want to use your husband's last name file the whole AoS WITH YOUR NEW NAME...That's how yo change your name legally. Now your ead/ap and greencard will have your new name. I did the same thing and everything has my new name...Is so exciting when you get the 1st Noas and they come with you new name :dance:

there is a part where they ask what was your name when you entered to the US? this is the only spot where you must put your maiden name, but for the rest, use your new name

[loveoneanother 0]

Put your husband's family name there..

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

If you will be taking your husband's last name from now on, then put that name on all your AOS paperwork. That is the name your EAD/AP and green card will come in. Your certified marriage certificate acts as a legal name change document. No need for a court order.

[Tintin and Mike 127]

I was under the impression that you'll write whichever name you have on the Marriage Certificate when applying for AOS, correct?

[didopage 337]

I was under the impression that you'll write whichever name you have on the Marriage Certificate when applying for AOS, correct?

No, some marriage certificates doesn't mention the change of last name. So when you apply for AOS based on marriage, you use the last name you want to use. If you want to keep your maiden name, then you continue to use your maiden name on ALL forms. If you want to take your husband's last name, then you use it and write it on ALL forms (AOS, EAD, AP... and everything else not USCIS related). The marriage certificate can be used as a proof of change of last name, even if there's no mention on it.

[Tintin and Mike 127]

No, some marriage certificates doesn't mention the change of last name. So when you apply for AOS based on marriage, you use the last name you want to use. If you want to keep your maiden name, then you continue to use your maiden name on ALL forms. If you want to take your husband's last name, then you use it and write it on ALL forms (AOS, EAD, AP... and everything else not USCIS related). The marriage certificate can be used as a proof of change of last name, even if there's no mention on it.

So if I've decided to take my husband's last name and even if Marriage Certificate still says my maiden name I could use it as proof? Sorry OP, I just want to make sure for I'll go through this process soon.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

So if I've decided to take my husband's last name and even if Marriage Certificate still says my maiden name I could use it as proof? Sorry OP, I just want to make sure for I'll go through this process soon.

Yes, some states do not list the name you wish to use after marriage on the marriage certificate. It will show your husband's name and your name before you married(maiden name). You still use the marriage certificate as your change of name document. You can look up how to change your name after marriage in your state and you should find some information about how it works there.

As for filing AOS: you send in a copy of your certified marriage certificate with your AOS paperwork and that will act as your legal name change document for the USCIS. So, use the married name on your forms if that is the name you will go by after you are married. If you use your maiden name and then want to change it later, it is pricey and takes months to change a name on the green card once it is issued.

Edited October 5, 2012 by Jay-Kay

[Tintin and Mike 127]

Yes, some states do not list the name you wish to use after marriage on the marriage certificate. It will show your husband's name and your name before you married(maiden name). You still use the marriage certificate as your change of name document. You can look up how to change your name after marriage in your state and you should find some information about how it works there.

As for filing AOS: you send in a copy of your certified marriage certificate with your AOS paperwork and that will act as your legal name change document for the USCIS. So, use the married name on your forms if that is the name you will go by after you are married. If you use your maiden name and then want to change it later, it is pricey and takes months to change a name on the green card once it is issued.

Yes there's an option to adopt the new last name here in San Diego when we apply for the license.

http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/arcc/docs/marrlic12.pdf

Thanks, you guys are awesome!

[charlie sheen 0]

I was under the impression that you'll write whichever name you have on the Marriage Certificate when applying for AOS, correct?

But what if, by accident, your marriage certificate still shows your maiden name. That's the situation I am facing at the moment. Anyone have any ideas what to do. Thank you.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

But what if, by accident, your marriage certificate still shows your maiden name. That's the situation I am facing at the moment. Anyone have any ideas what to do. Thank you.

Need more information. Accident? Not sure what you mean.

As stated a couple times in this thread, not all states list the name you will use after marriage. A lot just list your husband's name and your name at the time you married(typically maiden name). The marriage certificate acts as a legal name change document and changing your name to your husband's last name can be done with just the marriage certificate. If you want to change your name to something other than the usual taking of the husband's last name as yours, then you will most likely need to pay and get a separate court order.