Name Change Advice

Looking for name change advice or some tips for newlywed life? The MissNowMrs experts have created state-specific name change articles and checklists for you. We’ve chronicled our recommendations for how to travel while changing your name AND how to handle voting during the transition.

We’ve also compiled our best guidance for how to handle difficult sister in laws, holidays as newlyweds, the ever-annoying baby questions, and much more. Why? Because, while we are name change experts, we’re also newlywed wives, moms, and sisters.

We hope our name change advice articles help smooth your transition to your new name, and a whole new phase of life. Congratulations and best wishes from the entire MissNowMrs team!

How to Change Your Name in Colorado – 7 Steps

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Trying to understand how to change your name in Colorado? Use this step-by-step guide created by the name change experts at MissNowMrs. Knowing your state-specific process will save you a great deal of time!

The Colorado Name Change Process

1. Social Security Administration

The best place to state filing for your new name is with the Social Security Administration. Simply complete the SS-5 form and file it in-person or by mail. Typically you will receive your new social security card in the mail 2 weeks after your form is filed. It’s important to note that while your name on your SS card changes, your social security number remains the same.

2. Internal Revenue Service

Newlyweds are not required to notify the IRS of their new names. But, we highly recommend filing the IRS 8822 form. It’s only a few questions and free to file by mail. Most importantly, it ensures that the IRS knows your new married name when they issue tax returns.

3. United States Passport

The State Department has three different passport forms. The status of your passport directs whether you complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form. You can file the DS-11 and DS-82 by mail. But, the DS-5504 must be filed in-person.

When you file for your new passport be sure to include your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate fee. You should receive your new passport in the mail approximately 5-6 weeks after filing your form. If you submitted your old passport in your filing, you will get it back with a hole punch through it.

4. Colorado Driver’s License

To change your name on your driver’s license in Colorado you should first file for your new Social Security card and wait 24 hours. Then head to a state DMV office, as a county office cannot process a name change.you will need to go to a state DMV office. Heads up: the Colorado DMV only accepts cash or checks for their processing fee!

5. Colorado Voter Registration

It’s easy to change your name on your voter registration in Colorado. Simply complete your Colorado Voter Registration form and mail it to the Colorado Department of State. Be sure to include a photocopy of your new driver’s license or a utility bill showing your new married name.

6. All Non-Government Entities

After you’ve filed your forms for your state and federal forms of ID, it’s time to tell your creditors about your name change. Start with your employer, followed by mortgage providers, loan providers, utilities and professional license boards. Then move on to your banks, credit cards, insurance providers, memberships, and frequent flyer programs. Many creditors will change the name associated with your account over the phone. But, some will need you to complete a form and show your certified marriage certificate as proof of your marriage.

7. Name Change Made Easy

Now that you understand the details of how to change your name in Colorado, are you feeling overloaded? Good news! There’s a simple solution. The MissNowMrs app and online service condense the tedious 13 hour name change process into a matter of minutes.

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How to Change Your Name in Michigan | 2020

Curious how to change your name in Michigan? The married name change process varies widely from state to state. Luckily the experts at MissNowMrs have written a checklist to make the process easier for Michigan newlyweds!

The Michigan Married Name Change Process

1. Social Security

The first federal government office to file with is the Social Security Administration. To change your name, you will need to complete and file the SS-5 form. There is the option to file your form for free in-person or by mail. Your name will change on your new Social Security card, but your Social Security number will remain the same.

2. IRS

Changing your name with the IRS is straight forward. Simply complete and file the IRS 8822 form by mail. The IRS office is the one federal government agency that does accept photocopies of marriage certificates, so be sure to include one with your 8822 form.

3. U.S. Passport

Your current passport status dictates whether you will need to complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504. The DS-81 and DS-5504 forms have file by mail options. But, if you’re filing for your first passport, you will need to file your DS-11 form in-person at a local Passport Office.

All passport filings should include your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the correct processing fee. The State Department will mail you your new passport with your new married name approximately 5-6 weeks after receiving your form.

4. Michigan Driver’s License/ID

Make sure that you have filed for your new Social Security card at least 48 hours before applying for your Michigan driver’s license or ID. The DMV checks with the Social Security Administration before they issue a new form of ID in a new name. The Michigan DMV is the only state-level office where you must file for your name change in person. Don’t forget to bring your current Michigan driver’s license, certified marriage certificate, and proof of residency (if you have moved.)

5. Michigan Voter Registration

To update your name on your Michigan voter registration, you will need to complete a simple form. You then mail it to your city clerk along with a photo copy of your new driver’s license. Then, you’ll be all set for the next round of elections.

6. Creditors

Once you have changed your name with the federal and Michigan state-level government agencies, it is time to change your name with your creditors. These include your banks, credit cards, insurance providers, mortgage providers, and student loan providers. Utilities, professional license boards, employers, memberships, and any entity that sends you mail will also need to be notified of your new married name.

Many creditors will allow you to change your name over the phone. Others will require you to complete an online or mail-in form. While still others, like banks, will require you to file for your name change in-person with your certified marriage certificate.

7. Michigan Name Change Simplified

Now that you know how to change your name in Michigan, are you feeling like married name change is an endless ordeal? Don’t worry! The MissNowMrs name change app and online service streamline the process into minutes. Save yourself time and stress by letting the experts help you change your name the easy way!

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Prenups and Postnups

Curious about prenups and postnups? If you’re a bride-to-be or newlywed thinking the idea of a prenuptial agreement, you are not alone. The legal contracts once thought to be reserved for the rich and famous are becoming increasingly popular with millennials – and we mean seriously popular. As in, there was a 62% rise in prenuptial agreements created for millennials between 2013 and 2016 alone. The good news is that if you are recently married (and kudos for doing so just before or during this global pandemic), you didn’t miss the boat on your chance to reap the benefits of a financial agreement between spouses – in the form of a postnup!

While the pre- and post- prepositions define the type of contract between spouses (you cant sign a prenuptial agreement once you are married, or a postnuptial agreement until after you are married) a “postnup” is very similar in concept to the more common “prenup.” Confused yet? Don’t be. We’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of prenups and postnups, and why they might not just be for A-list celebs anymore.

Prenups & Postnups Defined

Both prenups and postnups are legal contracts that lay out which spouse is entitled to what “property” in the case of a divorce, by superseding state divorce law. Without one of these agreements, the division of your assets is left up to the laws of your state. A prenup or postnup helps to make it more likely that in the unfortunate event of a divorce, the division of assets and debt takes place on terms you and your spouse had already agreed to.

Generally speaking, prenuptial agreements are more widely enforced than postnuptial agreements, in large part because they have been around a lot longer. Many state courts will uphold postnuptial agreements as long as they are in writing, signed without coercion, and fulfill disclosure requirements of both parties. Of course, nothing about prenups or postnups is foolproof, and the specific requirements for enforcement vary greatly from state to state.

Why You May Want a Prenup or Postnup

1. You Will Receive a Future Inheritance

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement allows couples to dictate what happens to an inheritance that one of the parties may receive, in the event the marriage ends. How this division would occur absent a prenup or postnup is dependent on your state – for example, in community property states, all assets acquired during the marriage are generally split equally, and this can include an inheritance if it was comingled. In equitable division states, the inheritance could be subject to division, based on whether the marriage was only a few years long, or a long term marriage, as well as whether it was comingled, among a variety of factors that vary greatly from state to state. The point here? A prenup or postnup allows you and your spouse to decide for yourselves what should happen to that inheritance, rather than allow state law to decide for you.

2. You Are the Less Wealthy Spouse

Let’s say you’re entering the marriage with significantly fewer assets than your spouse. Guess what? A prenup or postnup can offer you great protective benefits. Depending on what you and your spouse decide to include in the contract, your prenup or postnup can ensure that future alimony is part of the deal, dictate a certain financial payout for each year of marriage to ensure future financial security, and even dictate the date that the agreement should terminate (called a sunset clause).

3. You Own a Business

A prenup or postnup allows a couple to categorize a business as “separate property.” Meaning that such property will remain the property of one spouse if a divorce is to occur in the future. This is crucial for a spouse that owns their own business, because valuing a business for purposes of divorce can be both incredibly expensive and time consuming. What a waste of resources! To balance things out, the business owning spouse may consider agreeing that the other spouse receive a larger share of the marital assets. There are always ways to make sure everybody wins.

4. Either You or Your Spouse Have Student Debt

Who doesn’t have student debt these days? On top of the other financial concerns when combining finances, there are three cringe-worthy words that tend to amplify financial stress for many these days: student loan debt. 65% of graduates carry student loans debt at an average of about $35,000 in federal loans per person. That doesn’t even include private loans! As the cost of education has skyrocketed, student loans place a heavy financial burden on millennials that was unheard of in previous generations. So, why not do something now to mitigate all those “what if” money worries in the back of your mind?

Having a Prenup or Postnup Tends to Lead to Healthier Marriages

While prenups and postnups have long been stigmatized as, well, less-than-romantic, many engaged and newly married couples realize that they can lay the groundwork for a healthy and transparent relationship with finances throughout the marriage. It’s a fact that couples who talk about finances more regularly have healthier marriages. Simultaneously, and probably to no surprise, money serves as the leading cause of stress in marriages.

After all, a prenup or postnup isn’t just about finances. It’s about your relationship and open, honest communication. When crafted properly, these agreements can allow you and your partner to determine what you want in the case of a divorce. Instead of taking what relevant state law dictates. This increasing predisposition to such agreements isn’t happening because people don’t trust each other. But, rather because marriage is about partnership, and a partnership requires open communication about finances.

Until recently, prenups and postnups have been an underutilized, yet simple tool to set you and your partner up for financial and marital success. Are you are not yet married and interested in creating a prenuptial agreement? HelloPrenup is a service that allows users to create a prenup online in just a few hours, at a reasonable cost. If you are already married and interested in a formal financial agreement with your spouse, remember – it is never too late to begin the postnup process. After all, we can all benefit from little bit of financial security.

How to Change Your Name in Ohio

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Trying to figure out how to change your name in Ohio? Good news! The MissNowMrs experts have created a checklist to help you navigate the name change process in your state.

The Ohio Name Change Process

1. Social Security

The first government agency that needs to be notified of your new name is the Social Security Administration. Simply complete the SS-5 form and decide if you want to file in-person or by mail. You will need to file with your driver’s license or U.S. passport, certified marriage certificate, and completed SS-5 form. If you do not have a U.S. passport, it is best to file in person so you are not without your driver’s license while your paperwork is processed.

2. Internal Revenue Service

Next, file the IRS 8822 form with the Internal Revenue Service. While the form title is change of address, it is also used to notify the agency of new names. This form is optional, but since it ensures there will be no confusion regarding your name on tax returns we think it is totally worth completing. The IRS 8822 is free to file, and can be mailed to the IRS with a photocopy of your marriage certificate.

3. U.S. Passport

The passport name change process you follow is based on your current passport status. You will need to complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 based on how long you have had your current passport. The DS-81 and DS-5504 forms can be mailed to the State Department. But, if you’ve never had a passport, you will need to file your DS-11 form in-person at a local Passport Office.

All passport filings should include your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate filing fee. If you’ve had your current passport for less than 12 months, there is no fee to file for a new name on your passport!

4. Ohio Driver’s License

The Ohio Deputy Registrar’s office must see your new social security card with your new name before they can issue you a new license. So, be sure to file for your social security card and wait to receive it in the mail before you file for your new name on your driver’s license. This typically takes 2 weeks from the time you file the SS-5 form.

You will also need to bring your current driver’s license, certified marriage certificate, and proof of residence to file for your license. The good news is, your new driver’s license will be issued the same day that you file for it.

5. Voter Registration

Updating your married name on your Ohio voter registration is easy. Simply print and complete their brief form, sign it in your new married name, and mail it to your County Board of Elections. You can find the address for all Ohio county boards in this directory.

6. Creditors

Finally, it is time to notify all of the non-government agencies and companies of your new married name. These include employers, banks, credit card providers, loan providers, mortgage companies, and professional license boards. As well as utilities, memberships, subscriptions, and more. Many creditors will process your name change request by phone. But, some will require you to complete a form and/or file in-person with your certified marriage certificate.

7. The Ohio Name Change Solution

Now that you know how to change your name in Ohio, are you feeling stressed out? Instead of wasting 13 hours of newlywed life on your name change, use the MissNowMrs app or service. We streamline the tedious process into a matter of minutes!

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How to Change Your Name in New Jersey

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Wondering how to change your name in New Jersey? Every state has a different form, fee, process, and timeline. Fortunately, the MissNowMrs name change experts have broken name change in New Jersey into manageable steps for you!

The New Jersey Name Change Process

1. Social Security

The Social Security Administration is the first office you will need to change your name with. File the SS-5 form along with your certified marriage certificate and your driver’s license or U.S. passport. The SSA will mail your new social security card to you two weeks after they have processed your paperwork. The good news is that there is no fee associated with your filing!

2. IRS

Next up is the IRS. Changing your name with the IRS is straight forward. Simply complete the IRS 8822 form and mail it to their office address. Include a photo copy of your certified marriage certificate. This form is not required. However, filing it ensures that there will be no confusion about your name when tax returns are issued.

3. U.S. Passport

Depending on your current passport status, you will need to complete the DS-11, DS-82 or the DS-5504 form to update your name. The DS-81 and DS-5504 forms can be filed by mail. But, if you do not have a passport, you will need to file your DS-11 form in-person at a local Passport Office. All offices require you to file your completed form with a certified marriage certificate, two 2×2 photos, and the appropriate filing fee. If you’ve had your current passport for less than 12 months, it’s free to file for a new name on your passport. It’s like a wedding gift from the State Department!

4. New Jersey Driver’s License

To file for your new name on your driver’s license in New Jersey, bring your social security card showing your new married name. You will also need to provide your birth certificate or U.S. passport along with proof of residence. Examples of proof of residence include utility bills or bank statements showing your New Jersey address. Your new driver’s license will be issued the same day you apply for it. This is the one office you must file your forms in-person. Why? Because they must take a new photo to issue a license in a new name.

5. Creditors

Finally, once you have updated your name with all of the federal and state government agencies, it is time to notify your creditors. This includes your employer, utilities, loan providers, banks, credit cards, insurances, mortgage providers, professional license boards, air line mile programs, gym members, etc. Many of these companies allow you to change your name over the phone. But, some require you to submit a form and a certified marriage certificate before they are able to update your accounts.

6. Name Change the Easy Way

Overwhelmed now that you know how to change your name in New Jersey? The entire process is incredibly complicated. And, it can take over 13 hours of your newlywed life. Don’t stress! Use the MissNowMrs name change app or online service to change your name in a matter of minutes. We’ve assisted over 500,000 newlyweds transition to their married names. Let our experts help you too!

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