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.…
-
-
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…
-
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…
-
Congratulations on your name change! While you’re basking in the glow of your new identity, don’t forget a crucial step: updating your name across all your financial accounts and, importantly, with the three major credit bureaus. This guide will walk you through how to change your name on your credit report with TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Why is this so important? An accurate credit report is vital for everything from applying for loans and mortgages to securing new credit cards. Ensuring your new name is reflected correctly helps maintain the integrity of your credit history and prevents potential issues down the line. At HitchSwitch, we understand that navigating these updates…