Update Your Voter Registration After a Name Change (2025) Election Day is November 4, 2025, and these tips apply to any election cycle. If you’ve changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, here’s how to update your voter registration. HitchSwitch also provides step by step guides for changing your name across key documents. Step 1: Check deadlines Start by reviewing your state’s voter-registration deadlines—updates generally can’t be processed after the cutoff. Vote.org offers a helpful, state-by-state overview of registration and Election Day registration deadlines guide. Before updating your voter registration, plan to update your name on your Social Security card and your driver’s license or state ID.…
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Your 9-Step Guide to a Wedding That’s Fun to Plan (Really!) You’re engaged! The excitement is fresh, the congratulations are rolling in, and the countdown to “I do” has begun. Whether you’ve been planning this day in your head for years or are just starting to imagine the possibilities, it’s easy to feel a mix of joy and “where do we even start?” There’s no single “right” way to plan a wedding, but there are ways to make it a whole lot easier. We’re here for you, and this guide is designed to help you tackle the big decisions, simplify the tricky parts, and keep the excitement front and center.…
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How to Change Your Name in Florida After Marriage After the whirlwind of wedding planning, your next newlywed milestone might be changing your name. Whether you’re taking your spouse’s last name, hyphenating, or creating a dual surname, Florida has a clear process for making it official. It can feel like a lot of paperwork, but with the right documents and a step-by-step plan, it’s very manageable. Below is everything you need to know to change your name in Florida after marriage. (Also see our guide: How to Change Your Name After Marriage.) Marriage Certificates in Florida Your marriage certificate is the foundation of your name change. You and your partner…
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How to Change Your Name in California After Divorce Divorce often brings with it a season of transition—emotionally, practically, and legally. One of the decisions you may face is whether to keep your married name, return to a prior name, or adopt a new variation. Whatever you decide, the good news is that the name change process in California is straightforward once you know the required steps and timing involved. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change your name after a divorce, covering everything from utilizing your final divorce decree to updating your Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport. Tip: You can always get expert help…
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How to Change Your Name in California After Marriage? Changing your name after marriage is exciting—but it does come with a checklist. In California, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps in the right order. This guide walks you through each stage, from your marriage certificate to your Social Security card, California driver’s license or state ID. Click here to check out the 11-step checklist on the HitchSwitch blog. Read the 11-step checklist Step 1: Secure Your California Marriage Certificate Your certified marriage certificate is the legal document that authorizes your new name. It is a legal name change document. Before the wedding: Both partners must appear…
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How to Change Your Name with Your Employer’s Records & Benefits? Changing your name after marriage, divorce, or another life event is exciting—but it also comes with a checklist of updates you’ll need to make at work. From payroll to health insurance, your employer relies on accurate records to ensure you get paid correctly, your benefits remain intact, and your tax forms match what’s on file with the IRS. It might feel like a lot to manage, but it’s simple if you take it step by step. Here’s how to change your name with your employer’s records and benefits the right way. Step 1: Update Your Social Security Card Before…
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Change Your Name on Bank Accounts & Credit Cards (Guide) Changing your name on bank accounts and credit cards is a key step after marriage or divorce. Updating financial accounts keeps paychecks, deposits, and payments running smoothly and prevents ID mismatches. This guide shows the documents you’ll need, the order to tackle updates, how major banks handle name changes, and tips to save time. For a look at how to change your taxes, click here. Documents Checklist: What You’ll Need Before you begin, gather these documents: Certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your new legal name Updated Social Security card (with your new name) Updated government-issued photo…
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How to Correct a Marriage Certificate? The day you say “I do” is unforgettable. But once the celebration fades and the paperwork begins, it’s not uncommon to notice a typo or mistake on one of the most important documents of your marriage: your marriage license or marriage certificate. Your marriage certificate is a vital record: it serves as your official proof of marriage and the primary legal document required to update your name after the wedding. You’ll need it for everything from updating your Social Security record and driver’s license to securing health insurance benefits. If there’s an error, it can create frustrating roadblocks. Here’s the key difference: if you…
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For many couples today, moving in together happens long before wedding bells. By the time you’re engaged, you may already share a kitchen, a couch, and even that trusty coffee maker from college. When it’s time to create your wedding registry, you’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on the life you already share. That’s why a wedding registry for couples who live together should focus less on filling cupboards with basics and more on upgrading what you have, investing in the future, and sprinkling in fun, personal touches. Here are some registry ideas to inspire your list and make gift-giving easier for your guests. Practical Upgrades for Everyday Life Even…
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How to Plan a Couples Retreat With Friends Sometimes the best way to strengthen your relationship and friendships is by planning a getaway together. A couples retreat with friends can be both fun and refreshing — whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a week-long vacation. The key is striking the right balance between relaxation, adventure, and thoughtful planning so everyone feels included and has a great time. At HitchSwitch, we know how important it is to simplify life’s big changes — from name changes after marriage to planning stress-free milestones. Here are our top tips to make your couples retreat successful and enjoyable! Start With a Shared Vision The…
