Updated Apr 25, 2012 @ 08:45 AM
Changing the last name sparked quite the conversation on
C.R.A.F.T. face book. From what I gather, there are 3 main camps on the issue: take his name, hyphenate names, or keep your last name. I chose none of those options. I'm officially Jamie Smith Dorobek, 2 last names, no hyphen. I plan on only using Dorobek for the day to day. There are lots of ways to do the last name thing.
If your new here, welcome! We got married, in our own special way, on 2-22-2012. Lots more on that
here,
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and here.
Things I considered:
- I own a house in my maiden name, and I wanted that to be a part of my official name. With the hopes of avoiding any confusion.
- I worked at a 70% Hispanic high school where most last names were hyphenated. It often led to teacher confusion, and I decided I did not want this for my kids.
- I wanted our family to have one family name. Traveling abroad with a child, without your surname, means more paperwork. See more info here.
- Jamie Smith is super simple and easy to say and you rarely have to spell it out.
- Jamie Smith is super common. 13 Jamie Smith's in Anthropolgie's computer in Austin, TX :)
- I wanted a simple personal email address. My previous email included numbers and an underscore.
- Andy wanted me to take his last name.
If you are changing anything about your name you will need to go through the following steps to first change your name on you social security card.
1. Wait until you receive your marriage license in the mail. For me, this took one month from the wedding date.
2. Fill out the Social Security 5 form. Download and fill out the SS-5 form
here. Your new card will be free.
3. Bring this form and your original or certified copy of your marriage license to your local social security office. You can also mail in the forms. Find your local office here with your zip code.
These things need name changing too:
- Passport
- Driver's License
- Bank Accounts
- Credit Cards
- Employer
The social security lady told me that if in a year or two I am tired of having 2 last names I can change it to either one. So far, it is no big deal... but it has only been about 3 weeks :) She made it sound like I can do anything I want with my name. I like that. What did you do? Are you happy with your decision? You can change it again if you want! What did you consider when changing (or not changing) your name? I'm very curious...
