When I get married, does my

 

name legally change right away?​

​

Tidbit Tuesday! 

When I get married, does my name legally change right away?

I knew when I got married that I would legally have to change my name post marriage. When I told my sibling in laws that I am officially, legally now "Sarah Quealy Perez" the reply I'd get is "haven't you been this whole time?" So I figure it might be a good topic for Tidbit Tuesday. 

How do you change your name? Well there are various steps you go through. You first step is to change your social security card then you go through the various channels. 

For an example, I got married in May. I could have changed my name in the past seven months, but didn't. Finally thought it was time. In November I filled out the paperwork online with my social security office to get my social security card changed. I had to wait two to three weeks until my appointment in person to go to the social security office to show my paperwork. That took all of five minutes and I had a new name. 

I can explain my process and how long it takes me, if that is helpful/wanted and create a helpful document to help others too. 
Long story short, no, just because you tie the knot, doesn't mean you automatically get your name legally changed. You have to go through the process, and yes, it is a process, but it is a rewarding process.