Changing my last name?

[Sarah08 0]

My fiance is applying for his AOS, and we are planning on diong a courthouse wedding so we can get our foot in the door before we have to start up again with school in the fall. Our real wedding is scheduled (tentatively) for May 31,2008. I don't want to change my last name after we get married at the courthouse because I really don't want many people to know about it (except family). I'm just afraid that it would take away from the "joy" and everything at the real wedding if everyone knew that we've been married for almost a year. What do you guys think? I'm going on Friday to talk to our minister about it. If we get called for an interview, could that potentially be a problem? Would they believe me if I told them my reason? Thanks.

[Kath 0]

hi ya

legally you dont have to change your name to your husbands...make sure all the forms you fill out is in your maiden name...then when you get married again you have to inform USCIS about your name change...

personally i would change my name.. (like i did) only because of all the running around you will have to do to change it in a years time...

they might ask why you preferred your maiden name at the interview but its no big deal surely...

just my two bobs worth..

good luck

kath

[Sarah08 0]

hi ya

legally you dont have to change your name to your husbands...make sure all the forms you fill out is in your maiden name...then when you get married again you have to inform USCIS about your name change...

personally i would change my name.. (like i did) only because of all the running around you will have to do to change it in a years time...

they might ask why you preferred your maiden name at the interview but its no big deal surely...

just my two bobs worth..

good luck

kath

thanks for responding. Also, the reason why I'm not going to change it now is because he is planning on changing his eventually because Americans can't seem to pronouce it, so I figured I'd just change mine when he changes his.

[YuAndDan 153]

Changing name is optional on the marriage licenses, though it is easier to do the name change at that point than doing a legal name change later. Later you will need to report name change to many different agencies. And some charge fees to make the changes, if you are not the US citizen and want to change name on the Green-Card you will file form I-90 and pay $370 after July 30.

Some make the change now legally on the marriage license and all paperwork with USCIS (AOS, EAD, ect), but continue to go by maiden name until like in your case have public marriage.

[Twomoles 8]

Why would anyone ask you in interview and why would anyone there would be aware, that you have some personal reasons and ceremony plans year after.

I never changed my surname, its easier. I don't even expect anyone to ask why, its my family surname I like.

We want to make great wedding in my country after some time. After all papermess is done, I will change my surname to my hubbies. Homeland security don't care how much wedding parties you make after AOS. And they don't have to know.

I have heard, and even in USA people follow to one interesting tradition - getting remarried. Some couples love each other so much, that they get remarried every few years, making big party again. Only difference is that papers you sign only once.

[Sarah08 0]

Why would anyone ask you in interview and why would anyone there would be aware, that you have some personal reasons and ceremony plans year after.

I never changed my surname, its easier. I don't even expect anyone to ask why, its my family surname I like.

We want to make great wedding in my country after some time. After all papermess is done, I will change my surname to my hubbies. Homeland security don't care how much wedding parties you make after AOS. And they don't have to know.

I have heard, and even in USA people follow to one interesting tradition - getting remarried. Some couples love each other so much, that they get remarried every few years, making big party again. Only difference is that papers you sign only once.

I guess I just figured that if we went to the interview as a married couple and both had different last names, they would question whether or not I am really committed to him, or I don't want other people to recognize me as being married to him or something like that. I don't know what is going throught these people's heads lol I have this idea that you walk in there and right away they just assume that everyone got married just for the greencard, and it's up to you to change their mind. I could be wrong though...I hope I am wrong, actually lol Thanks for replying.

[Twomoles 8]

Your surname don't change your marriage quality. They judge different things more important then choosing names. I am very proud of my surname, and its my silent connection and loyalty to my country and family overseas, whose am not able to meet for now. And come on, its 21 century!

[Silke 1]

I took my husband's name. But that's a personal decision. It's up to you if or when you change your last name. If you decide to keep your maiden name, you might or you might not have to explain your reasons at the interview...Whatever you decide, good luck!

[Sarah08 0]

Your surname don't change your marriage quality. They judge different things more important then choosing names. I am very proud of my surname, and its my silent connection and loyalty to my country and family overseas, whose am not able to meet for now. And come on, its 21 century!

That's a good way to think of it. Thank you!

[Silke 1]

Your surname don't change your marriage quality. They judge different things more important then choosing names.

[reeses16 8]

I think it would be okay if you do not change your name. I don't plan on changing mine. Iin my fiance's culture women do not change their names after marriage and I have some published work with my maiden name. We just plan on making sure we have both our names on as many things as possible. Checks with both our names, bills, etc. I wouldn't worry.

-DA

My fiance is applying for his AOS, and we are planning on diong a courthouse wedding so we can get our foot in the door before we have to start up again with school in the fall. Our real wedding is scheduled (tentatively) for May 31,2008. I don't want to change my last name after we get married at the courthouse because I really don't want many people to know about it (except family). I'm just afraid that it would take away from the "joy" and everything at the real wedding if everyone knew that we've been married for almost a year. What do you guys think? I'm going on Friday to talk to our minister about it. If we get called for an interview, could that potentially be a problem? Would they believe me if I told them my reason? Thanks.

[Twomoles 8]

You said your hubby have hard pronouncing surname and he want to change it. He can change his surname to yours, so you will both have one surname. I had a work mate who had funny surname and he took his wifes surname, in my opinion this is ok as well. You can add them together, it might sound good too.

But USCIS really don't care these things. Look how many people from how many traditions are here. I don't think USCIS can be surprised about anything and any kind of couple. They are professionals who deal with this everyday.

[Sarah08 0]

You said your hubby have hard pronouncing surname and he want to change it. He can change his surname to yours, so you will both have one surname. I had a work mate who had funny surname and he took his wifes surname, in my opinion this is ok as well. You can add them together, it might sound good too.

But USCIS really don't care these things. Look how many people from how many traditions are here. I don't think USCIS can be surprised about anything and any kind of couple. They are professionals who deal with this everyday.

Well, I don't think he would want to change his last name to mine - cultural reasons. But thanks for the advice, and I feel a lot better about this now! I'm just worried as well because we don't have both of our names on bills or bank accounts yet, but we will try to do that after our wedding and before our interview!

[Silke 1]

Yes, try to add his name to your utility bills, lease, bank accounts etc once you are married. These things are more important to USCIS than someone's last name.

[Twomoles 8]

Well, I don't think he would want to change his last name to mine - cultural reasons. But thanks for the advice, and I feel a lot better about this now! I'm just worried as well because we don't have both of our names on bills or bank accounts yet, but we will try to do that after our wedding and before our interview!

True. I am worried too. We don't have much either. We will have to do and make up something quick for this. Join in some silly things, organizations maybe or something like that. And add my name to bills, like cell phone. I already have my name on car insurance together and bank account, and of course, pictures. But better to have more for sure, I know its not enough.