So You Wanna Ditch Your Maiden Name in Michigan? Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Congratulations! You just tied the knot, said "I do" to the love of your life, and are ready to embark on this crazy journey called marriage. But wait, there's more! Maybe you're itching to ditch your maiden name and rock your spouse's last name like a boss. But before you go on a spending spree picturing a new wardrobe to match your new moniker, let's talk about the moolah involved.
 |
| How Much Does It Cost To Change Your Last Name After Marriage In Michigan |
The Big Kahuna: Court Fees
Alright, alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The main expense you're looking at is filing a petition with the court to officially change your name. In Michigan, this'll set you back $175. Ouch! But hey, think of it as an investment in your forever after (and a snazzy new signature, of course).
Not-So-Hidden Fees: Fingerprinting and Publication
Now, that $175 might not be the whole story. There can be a few sneaky fees lurking in the shadows. One is the fingerprinting fee, which can cost around $43.25. Big Brother gotta make sure you're not some name-changing criminal mastermind, you know?
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
Another potential cost is the publication fee. This involves having your name change published in a local newspaper. The price for this can vary depending on your location, so be prepared for a bit of a surprise (hopefully not a bad one!).
Freebie Alert! Waiving Those Pesky Fees
Here's some good news! If you're low on funds, you can actually request a fee waiver. Just sayin', there's no shame in showing the court your empty wallet (metaphorically speaking, of course).
But Wait, There's More! (Costs Associated with Updating Everything Else)
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
Alright, so you've navigated the court fees and gotten your name change official. But hold on to your hats, folks, because this is just the first hurdle. Now comes the fun part (well, maybe not fun exactly) of updating your name on all your official documents: driver's license, Social Security card, bank accounts, the whole shebang. There might be fees associated with each of these, so be sure to check with the specific entity beforehand.
The Bottom Line
 |
Changing your last name after marriage in Michigan can cost anywhere from $175 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the sneaky fees and how much paperwork you gotta juggle. But hey, think of it as a small price to pay for officially becoming part of your new spouse's awesome family (and maybe getting a cool new family discount, who knows?).
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
FAQs:
How to File a Name Change Petition in Michigan?
Head over to your local circuit court and ask for the petition form. You can also find it online and download it.
How Long Does it Take to Change My Name in Michigan?
The whole process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the court's workload.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
How Do I Update My Social Security Card After Changing My Name in Michigan?
Visit your local Social Security office with your marriage license and proof of your new name (like a court order).
How Do I Update My Driver's License After Changing My Name in Michigan?
Head to your nearest Secretary of State branch office with your marriage license and proof of your new name. There might be a fee involved.
How Do I Update My Bank Accounts After Changing My Name in Michigan?
Contact your bank and ask about their specific procedure for updating your name on your accounts. There might be a fee involved.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
