Unlocking the Process: How to Legally Change Your Name in Wisconsin After Marriage

Are you newly married and considering changing your last name? Or perhaps you have been married for some time but recently decided to take on your spouse’s surname. Whatever your reason may be, legally changing your name in Wisconsin after marriage is a straightforward process. However, it is important to understand the steps and requirements involved to ensure a smooth transition. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about legally changing your name in Wisconsin after marriage, so you can confidently embark on this new chapter of your life.

Understanding the Name Change Process in Wisconsin

Changing your name after getting married is a common practice and can be done legally in the state of Wisconsin. If you are considering changing your name after marriage, it’s important to understand the process and requirements set by the state. This article will guide you through the steps of legally changing your name in Wisconsin after marriage.

Eligibility for Name Change in Wisconsin

Before proceeding with changing your name, it’s important to know if you are eligible to do so under Wisconsin law. In order to change your name, you must be at least 18 years old and have been a resident of Wisconsin for at least 30 days. You must also be able to prove that you are not changing your name for fraudulent purposes.

Steps to Legally Change Your Name After Marriage

1. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate: The first step in legally changing your name after marriage is obtaining a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document serves as proof of your marriage and is required by the state when applying for a name change.

2. File a Petition for Name Change: Once you have obtained your marriage certificate, you will need to file a petition with the circuit court in the county where you reside. The petition should include your current name, new desired name, reason for the change, and any other relevant information.

3. Publish Notice of Name Change: After filing your petition, you will be required to publish a notice of name change in a local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks. This gives anyone who may object to your name change an opportunity to do so.

4. Attend Hearing: If no objections are raised during the publication period, the court will schedule a hearing to finalize the name change. You must appear before the court on this date with all necessary documents and any appropriate fees.

5. Obtain a Court Order: If the court approves your name change, they will issue a court order stating your new name. This document serves as proof of your legal name change and should be kept in a safe place.

Additional Considerations

– If you are changing your name to something other than your spouse’s last name, you may be required to legally change it before getting married.

– If you have children, their names will also be changed to reflect your new name. Be sure to obtain certified copies of their birth certificates after the name change is finalized.

– You will need to update all legal documents and identification with your new name, including but not limited to driver’s license, social security card, passport, and bank accounts.

Common Questions About Changing Your Name in Wisconsin After Marriage

Can I Change My Name to Anything I Want?

In most cases, you can choose any name you like as long as it’s not for fraudulent purposes. However, Wisconsin has a list of prohibited names that cannot be legally changed. These names include offensive language or symbols, numbers or punctuation marks without phonetic significance, and any variations on famous names.

Do I Have to Change My Name After Marriage?

No, changing your last name after marriage is completely optional. It’s ultimately up to the individual if they want to take their spouse’s last name or not.

Tip: If you are planning on changing your last name after marriage but want to keep your current legal surname for professional purposes, consider using a hyphenated or double-barrelled last name.

What If My Spouse Wants To Take My Last Name Instead?

Changing both spouses’ names after marriage is not a common practice in Wisconsin. However, if this is something that you and your spouse wish to do, both parties will need to follow the same steps outlined above. Each spouse must file their own petition and attend a separate hearing.

Can I Change My First Name Through Marriage?

Marriage does not grant you the right to change your first name in Wisconsin. If you wish to change your first name, you will need to follow the legal name change process through the circuit court.

Conclusion

Changing your name after marriage is a straightforward process in Wisconsin as long as you follow the necessary steps and meet all eligibility requirements. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a legal process and requires time and attention to detail. If at any point you are unsure of what to do, it’s best to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law. Once your name change is finalized, enjoy embracing your new identity!

Understanding the Legal Process of Changing Your Name in Wisconsin After Marriage

When you get married, one of the biggest decisions you may make is whether or not to change your last name. If you do decide to change your name, it is important to understand the legal process involved. In Wisconsin, there are certain steps that must be followed in order to legally change your name after marriage. These steps are set by state law and failure to follow them could result in your name change being rejected.

Filing a Petition for Name Change

The first step in legally changing your name after marriage in Wisconsin is to file a petition with the court. This petition must include your current and proposed new name, as well as the reason for the name change. In this case, the reason would be marriage.

Providing Notice

Once you have filed your petition, you will need to provide notice of your name change request to anyone who may be impacted by the change. This includes creditors, employers, and government agencies such as the Social Security Administration. You must also publish a notice of your name change request in a local newspaper at least three times within six weeks of filing your petition.

Attending a Hearing

After providing notice, you will need to attend a hearing where a judge will review your petition and any objections that may have been filed. If there are no objections and everything is in order, the judge will grant you an order changing your name.

Filing a Certified Copy of Your Name Change Order

Once you have received an order from the court approving your name change, you will need to file a certified copy with various government agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Department of Motor Vehicles. This is important because it ensures that all of your records are updated with your new legal name.

Changing Your Name on Important Documents

In addition to government agencies, you will also need to change your name on important documents such as your driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts. To do this, you will need to provide a copy of your name change order along with appropriate identification.

Updating Your Name with Creditors

If you have any credit accounts or loans, it is important to notify your creditors of your name change. This can typically be done by providing a copy of your name change order and updating any necessary forms or paperwork. You may also need to request new credit cards or checks with your new name.

Updating Your Name in the Workplace

If you are changing your last name after marriage, it is important to inform your employer so that they can update their records. This may require filling out new tax forms and providing a copy of your legal name change order.

Changing your name in Wisconsin after marriage is a process that requires following specific steps and procedures set by state law. It may seem daunting at first, but by understanding the process and following through with each step, you can successfully change your name legally after marriage. Remember to provide notice to necessary parties and update important documents with your new legal name for a smooth transition.

Q: What is the process for legally changing my name in Wisconsin after getting married?
A: The first step is to obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county where you got married. You will then need to fill out a Petition for Name Change form and file it with the court along with the necessary documents and fees.

Q: Can I change my middle name or add a middle name when changing my last name after marriage?
A: Yes, you can change your middle name or add one when changing your last name. However, this change must be included in the Petition for Name Change form and approved by the court.

Q: Do I need to notify anyone else of my name change?
A: Yes, after your legal name change is granted, you will need to notify government agencies such as Social Security Administration, DMV, and passport office. You should also inform your employer, banks, insurance companies, and any other institutions where you use your legal name.

Q: How long does it usually take to complete the process of legally changing my name in Wisconsin after marriage?
A: The process can take anywhere from 2-3 months depending on how quickly the court processes your petition and how promptly you notify relevant government agencies of your new name.

Q: Can I legally change my last name back to my maiden name after getting divorced in Wisconsin?
A: Yes, you can request a legal name change back to your maiden (or any previous) last name as part of the divorce proceedings. You will still need to follow the same procedure of filing a Petition for Name Change form with the court.

Q: Are there any restrictions on what last names I can choose when legally changing my name after marriage in Wisconsin?
A: As long as the chosen last name is not offensive or confusing, you can choose any name you want. However, if you wish to change your name to that of a famous person or a brand name, the court may reject your petition.

In conclusion, changing one’s name after marriage in Wisconsin can be a simple and seamless process as long as the individual follows the appropriate legal steps. The first step is to obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate and then complete a name change form, which can be found on the circuit court’s website. It is important to note that this name change is not automatic and must be explicitly requested through the appropriate forms.

After submitting the necessary paperwork, it is crucial to inform all relevant parties of the name change, such as government agencies, institutions, and financial institutions. This includes updating identification documents such as driver’s license and passport.

Furthermore, it may be necessary to publish a notice of name change in a local newspaper as per Wisconsin state law. Failure to follow this step may result in legal complications in the future.

It is also essential to consider potential challenges or obstacles that may arise during the name change process, such as debts or legal proceedings under one’s previous name. Seeking legal advice from an attorney can help alleviate any potential difficulties.

Moreover, individuals should take into account any personal or emotional attachment to their previous surname and discuss it with their partner before making a decision. One may also consider hyphenation or combining surnames as an alternative option.

In summary, changing