Name Change

[smthscp]

I do not know if I am posting this message in the correct forum. Please let me know if I need to post it elsewhere.

I am a Canadian citizen, working here in the United States. Last year I moved from Arizona to California to get away from an abusive relationship. I was a little nervous of the guy and so when I moved I rented a house in a different name. I began using that name for everything I did, including business. I have used the name consistently for a year now. In December married a US citizen and moved back to Arizona. I have read that it is legal to change your name simply by usage, and would like to keep the new name. I am in the process of applying for residency status and have a work permit right now. Can I apply to a court in Arizona to change my name even though I am not a US citizen. Will it interfere with my immigration application? Now, that I am married I would also like to add his last name to my new name. Is this possible?

 

[HomeGuru]

No. it's not possible the way that you stated.

 

[LegalBeagle]

You must have used your real name in the INS forms since you also have to include your b/c etc .. If you did not use your real name then you are in for a whole heap of pain. Changing your name during the immigration process is akin to setting up a trailer in the grounds of a prestigious law school in Southern California.

 

[smthscp]

Yes, with INS I used my real name, and for my bank accounts etc....but for business and everything else I have continued with the new name. My husbands family knows me as the new name. I want to find a way to change my name with the state so that I can change over my bank accounts and credit cards etc.. For business it would be rather difficult to explain the situation to my clients and I want to find a way to make the new name legit.

 

[LegalBeagle]

Yes, with INS I used my real name, and for my bank accounts etc....but for business and everything else I have continued with the new name. My husbands family knows me as the new name. I want to find a way to change my name with the state so that I can change over my bank accounts and credit cards etc.. For business it would be rather difficult to explain the situation to my clients and I want to find a way to make the new name legit.

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/changename/changenameFULL.html

But, as I said, changing your name in the middle of an INS application could delay your petition and cause all sorts of problems. You could end up being deported to Cuba.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Changing your name during the immigration process is akin to setting up a trailer in the grounds of a prestigious law school in Southern California.

My response:

Thanks for the chuckle, LB.

Yes, I got the joke.

IAAL