Tallahassee, FL asked in Family Law and Social Security for Florida

Q: Can my fiance and I choose a new last name when we get married?

We have decided to not use either of our own last names and instead get a new last name. We are getting conflicting answers though on how to go about this. Some say we have to go through court to have a legal name change, others tell us all we have to do is set a new last name on the marriage certificate. I am at a loss to what the real answer is.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: I'm fairly sure that the latter advice is correct: each of you can put a new last name on the license. Check with the office of the clerk of court in your county to be doubly sure.

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