blended name

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!

Gwyneth & Brad Faltrow | 3 Tips for Newlyweds Following the Blended Last Name Trend

Mr. and Mrs. Faltrow | Blended Last Name Tips

Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk just got married AND they decided to go with a blended last name change. They combined their last names into a new name: Faltrow! This story is making waves. But, as name-change experts we’ve been seeing the blended last name trend picking up steam for over a year now. Before you jump on the blended last name wagon be sure to read our tips below!

Tip 1: Talk about name change with your fiancé

It sounds dumb, but many people come into a marriage with name change expectations. By chatting about what you both want/envision BEFORE you get married, you can have a calmer discussion and more time to make a decision that works for you.

2: Consider your heritage

If you’re super other-oriented, it is smart to think about what your families may be hoping for regarding name change. In-laws and parents tend to want to see their legacy carried on. Are one of you the very last person to carry on the family name? If so, blending last names will mark the end of your former name. Depending on your situation that could be a good or bad thing! Again, by thinking big picture you can make a choice that makes you both happy.

Tip 3: Understand Your State’s Name Change Laws

Currently California is the only state that allows newlyweds to take a blended last name. *This is only possible if you write the blended name on your marriage license application. If you wait until after you’re married you will need to go through the legal name change process to created a blended last name.

Non-Californian residents who want to create a blended last name will need to petition the court system for a legal name change order. This is basically a legal document that allows you to file for your name change. The filing process includes being fingerprinted, running ads in papers, and appearing in court.

With more and more couples considering blended last names, we’re expecting to see more states change their name change laws in the future.

If you’re stuck on what name is best for you, play our Married Name Game. Or text/call one of the MissNowMrs name change experts at 800.301.9296. We’ve helped over 500,000 brides change their names, and we’re happy to assist you as well!

Original story credit: Inquisitr

The Name Equality Act: California

Have you heard about the name equality act? Name change is certainly tricky in all 50 states (with each state allocating their own laws on what constitutes a married name change versus a legal name change, etc.), you may be shocked to find out that in California couples can decide to make up a new last name to take after marriage thanks to the Name Equality Act*. While this is not a new law by any means, it’s definitely worthy of talking about!

The state of California allows one or both applicants to elect to change their middle and/or last names by which they wish to be known as after they are officially married. That means if you are planning to marry in CA and haven’t already applied for your Marriage License, this opportunity applies to you, so now you and your future spouse have a decision to make! Will you take his last name? Will he take your last name? Will the two of you have a combination of your two last names? Decisions, decisions!

What you need to know about the Name Equality Act

Only at the time of applying for your Marriage License can you elect to make these changes. Once your name is listed on your Marriage License, that is how it will later appear on your Marriage Certificate. This is the legal document used as proof of your marriage issued by your state. You cannot decide to add or amend this information after your Marriage License has been issued without having to obtain a Legal Name Change through your local superior court system. This can be costly, so it is important to put some thought into the name you will list on your Marriage License Application. After all, this is the name you will ultimately be known as in the future!

Each of you can elect to have one of the following last names:
The current last name of either spouse
The last name of either spouse given at birth
A name combining into a single last name all or a segment of the current last name or the last name of either spouse given at birth

Each of you can elect to have one of the following middle names:
The current last name of either spouse
The last name of either spouse given at birth
A hyphenated version of the current middle name and current last name of the person or spouse
A hyphenated version of the current middle name and the birth last name of the person or spouse

Confused yet?! Here’s an example:
Woman: Jane Marie Doe
Man: John Robert Smith
They can become Jane Smith Doe (and John Smith Doe), Jane Marie-Doe Smith (and John Robert-Doe Smith), Jane Marie Doesmith (and John Robert Doesmith), etc.

Do you and your spouse share a combination last name? Was your family supportive of your choice to make up a new last name? Tell us your story… We’d love to know how you worked through the process and if you used our online service or name change app!

*The name equality act currently only applies to couples marrying in California and to all California Marriage Licenses issued on or after January 1, 2009.

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