It’s true what they say:  the first year of marriage will be the hardest of your life. 

It’s exciting and overwhelming, but more than anything else. . .  it’s a logistical nightmare.  Who to spend Thanksgiving with?  Who to celebrate Christma-kkah with?  Who to call first with big news?  How to merge finances?  And the kicker… how to change your name?!

If you’ve decided to keep your maiden name, good for you!  You’re lucky.  And you likely don’t need the help on this site. 

But if you’ve decided to take on your spouse’s name, hyphenate your last names, or have come up with a completely new and inventive way of announcing your marital status through your name, then this guide is for you.

When I set out to change my name, I went the traditional route.  I had been Nina Diane Sharma, and I wanted to become Nina Sharma West.  The first step, logically, was to indicate this on my marriage license application.  Easy.

But that’s not even close to the tip of the iceberg.  What came post-honeymoon was a barrage of papers, phone calls, mis-directions, and snafus.  And in my harried frenzy of trying to simply become a West, I decided that none of my friends should ever have to go through such a nightmare.

So, the birth of the Name Change User’s Guide.  I hope that this information comes in helpful,  I’ve tried to keep it as updated as possible, though as a precaution you might want to check on each website to see if you’ve completed the correct form/followed the proper procedure.

Try not to breakdown into a puddle of frustration as you go through these steps.  It’s worth it in the long run! 

Congratulations again.  I’m so excited for you!

ps – should you find a mistake within these pages, please let me know!  I welcome all comments, suggestions, updated info, and stories.  Thanks!