{"id":351908,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:42","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/post-marriage-actions-to-take.html"},"modified":"2024-12-02T16:45:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T21:45:00","slug":"post-marriage-actions-to-take","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/post-marriage-actions-to-take.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Update Documents After Getting Married"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How To Update Documents After Getting Married<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

After getting married, take steps to organize the legal and financial aspects of your married life. Newlyweds often need to change or create documents to solidify their new status.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The wedding is over \u2014 no more plans to make. But getting married<\/a> brings significant legal changes. Before fully relaxing into your married life, you\u2019ll have specific tasks to complete.<\/p>\r\n

For instance, you might have to visit your local county clerk’s office to get a certified copy of your marriage license or certificate. Or you might be asked to give an affidavit to the Social Security Administration to change your maiden name on your Social Security card.<\/p>\r\n

Take note that your tasks may vary depending on the state law or the county clerk’s office where you got married. Not everything in this article may apply to you. Some updates are only necessary if you plan to use a new married name or address.<\/p>\r\n

File To Get Your Marriage Certificate<\/h2>\r\n

At your wedding or elopement ceremony, you must complete your marriage license<\/a>. States have specific requirements for filling out this legal document. In general, you, your spouse, your witnesses, and your marriage officiant must sign it.<\/p>\r\n

After the wedding, you or your officiant must file the document according to the court\u2019s instructions. The deadline for returning your completed marriage license varies by issuing court or state. It may be as soon as within five days of the ceremony or as late as two months, like Colorado\u2019s 63-day timeline<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Once the court receives your signed form, it can send you a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document can help you prove your identity and marital status as you complete the next steps.<\/p>\r\n

Finalize Your Name Change<\/h2>\r\n

Changing your last name in marriage is optional. You may decide to take your spouse\u2019s last name or a new name entirely. If so, editing your social media profiles won\u2019t be enough to make it official. Take steps to establish a legal name change<\/a> with the government.<\/p>\r\n

Check your court\u2019s procedures to find specific instructions. The name change process<\/a> typically includes paying a filing fee. Remember to bring an acceptable form of identification, such as your birth certificate and current driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\r\n

Most states allow couples to include a new last name in their marriage license application. Doing so may expedite the process. If you also want to change your first or middle name, your state may require you to complete a separate name change petition. You might also use a separate form if you wait until after the ceremony to choose a new married name.<\/p>\r\n

Once the court accepts your petition, it will send you a document that validates your new name. Yet, you must separately notify companies, agencies, and organizations about your name change. You could encounter problems if your personal and financial documentation does not match your new legal name.<\/p>\r\n

Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)<\/h3>\r\n

If you change your name, you must inform the SSA<\/a> to update your record and apply for a new Social Security card. If applicable, you can also change your SSA contact information to your new address. You can contact your local Social Security office or attorney for help.<\/p>\r\n

The new card will have your new name but keep the same Social Security number (SSN). Keep the SSA receipt of your name change for your records.<\/p>\r\n

Updating your social security information is a key early step. It will ensure other government agencies can verify your new name. Many agencies refer to the SSA\u2019s online records.<\/p>\r\n

Share Your New Name and Marital Address<\/h2>\r\n

Many couples cohabitate before marriage, but others decide to move in together after marriage. If you plan to move, you\u2019ll also need to update your address across your accounts and documents. You can usually complete these updates alongside your name change updates.<\/p>\r\n

Establish your name change and new address with the following steps:<\/p>\r\n