Hitchswitch-Blog

Tag: new last name

  • How To Change Your Name Social Security Card After Marriage? [Guide 2025]

    How To Change Your Name Social Security Card After Marriage? [Guide 2025]

    How to Change Your Name with Social Security After Marriage?

    Congratulations on saying “I do”! As you bask in that newlywed glow, sharing a last name with your partner is likely on your mind. While the idea is wonderfully romantic, tackling the administrative side of a name change can feel a little less dreamy. That’s where HitchSwitch comes in! We’re here to simplify a crucial first step: updating your Social Security card after Marriage.

    The good news for 2025 is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is making it easier than ever to change your name, with an increasing number of individuals eligible to complete the process online. This can save you valuable time and a trip to a local office. Keep in mind that while the SSA encourages attempting the online process first, it might not be an option for everyone. If you’re not eligible online, you’ll need to complete the process in person or by mail. Also, remember the general guideline: wait at least 30 days after your wedding before initiating your name change. For an in-depth outline of the name change process, please click here to check out our guide.

    Gather Your Documents For Your Social Card Update

    • Before you begin, ensure you have digital copies (scanned or clear photos) of the following:
      • Your identity documents, such as your driver’s license or state-issued ID.
      • Your original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is the official proof of your name change.

    Start Your Social Security Name Change Journey Online:

    • Click the following link to access the official SSA name change questionnaire: https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name.
    • Based on your answers in the online questionnaire, the SSA will present you with the available methods for completing your name change
      • Complete the process entirely online: If eligible, you can submit your application and input your information electronically.
      • Schedule an in-person appointment: If online submission isn’t an option, you’ll be prompted to schedule a visit to your local SSA office.
      • Complete the process by mail.
    •  In most states, if you need to change your name in person or by mail, you will generally need to provide the following:
      • Your original or certified Marriage Certificate (not a photocopy).
      • A completed SS-5 form, the Application for a Social Security Card. (HitchSwitch often provides this form as part of your personalized package!)
      • A valid primary form of identification in your current name, such as your driver’s license or U.S. passport.

    Simplify Your Name Change with HitchSwitch:

    • Navigating the various forms and requirements for a name change can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where HitchSwitch shines! Our service streamlines the entire process, providing you with:
      • Personalized, pre-filled forms: We take the guesswork out of paperwork, including the SS-5 form if needed for mail or in-person applications.
      • Easy-to-follow, state-specific instructions: We guide you through each step, ensuring you have the correct documents and information.
      • Time-saving convenience: We handle the research and form preparation, freeing you up to enjoy your newlywed life.
      • Don’t let administrative tasks overshadow your marital bliss.
    • Let HitchSwitch be your trusted partner in navigating your name change journey, starting with your Social Security card!
  • How To Change Your Name On A REAL ID After Marriage?

    How To Change Your Name On A REAL ID After Marriage?

    Congratulations, you’re married! The confetti has settled, the thank you notes are (almost) all sent, and you’re basking in that newlywed glow. But amidst the happiness, a little administrative task might be looming: changing your name. While the idea of sharing a surname with your beloved is romantic, the reality of actually making it happen can feel… well, less so. At HitchSwitch, we get it. You’re excited about this new chapter, not endless paperwork. That’s why we’re here to shed some light on the realities of changing your name, including the important step of obtaining a REAL ID, and how we can help you glide through the process with ease.

    What’s the Difference Between the REAL ID, Standard ID, and the Enhanced ID?

    While a standard ID will still allow you to drive, starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Think of it this way: both the REAL ID and the Enhanced ID meet these new federal requirements. However, the Enhanced ID goes a step further, offering the added convenience of land and sea border crossings into the US from Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries without a passport. So, while both offer more than a standard ID, the Enhanced ID provides that extra versatility for international travel by land and sea. Choose the ID that best suits your future travel plans! For a more detailed explanation, the NY DMV has some great resources.

    The Romantic Ideal vs. The Paperwork Reality:

    In movies and fairy tales, the name change is often a simple, almost magical transition. One day you’re Ms. Smith, the next you’re Mrs. Jones. Cue happy montage! The truth? It involves forms. Lots of forms. Different forms for different institutions. Trips to various offices. Waiting in lines. It can feel like a marathon when you’d rather be enjoying your honeymoon (or just a quiet evening on the couch!).

    The Reality of the To-Do List (and the REAL ID Factor):

    Where do you even begin?

    The list can seem endless, and updating your identification to meet federal requirements adds another layer:

    1. Social Security Administration: This is often the first crucial step. You’ll need to update your Social Security card, as this updated document is often required for obtaining a REAL ID. Click here to read our instructions for Social Security Name Change After Marriage.
    2. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the REAL ID: This is where the REAL ID comes into play. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of federal identification (like a passport) to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases. Changing your name on your driver’s license will likely involve obtaining a REAL ID if you don’t already have one. This often requires specific original or certified documents to prove your identity, legal name change , and residency.
    3. Passport: Planning any international travel? Your passport will need updating.
    4. Banks and Credit Card Companies: Ensuring your financial accounts are in your new name is vital.
    5. Utilities and Insurance Providers: Don’t forget the less glamorous but equally important updates.
    6. Employer and HR: Your workplace needs to have your correct legal name for payroll and benefits.
    7. Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacies: For accurate medical records and prescriptions.

    And the list goes on… Depending on your life, there could be memberships, subscriptions, and online accounts to update too.

    The Reality of Time, Effort, and REAL ID Requirements:

    This isn’t a weekend project. Each step can take time, from filling out applications correctly to waiting for processing. Obtaining a REAL ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV and bringing specific original documents (not copies) such as your marriage certificate, proof of identity in your former name, and proof of residency. Mistakes can lead to delays, adding even more frustration, especially with the looming REAL ID enforcement date.

    The Reality of Potential Roadblocks (and REAL ID Scrutiny):

    Sometimes, things aren’t straightforward. You might encounter specific requirements depending on your state or the institution you’re dealing with. The DMV, in particular, has strict requirements for REAL ID documentation. Ensuring you have the correct original documents, like your certified marriage certificate, is crucial for a smooth process. Without the proper paperwork, you could face delays in getting your REAL ID-compliant license in your new name.

    HitchSwitch: Bridging the Gap Between Ideal and Reality (Including Your REAL ID Needs):

    This is where HitchSwitch steps in. We understand the excitement of changing your name and the less-than-exciting reality of the process, including the critical need to obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification. That’s why we’ve created a streamlined service to handle the heavy lifting for you. Here’s how HitchSwitch makes the reality a whole lot easier, especially when it comes to your REAL ID:

    1. Personalized Forms: We provide you with all the necessary forms, pre-filled with your information, specific to your state and situation, including guidance on the documents typically required for a REAL ID name change.
    2. Step-by-Step Guidance: Our easy-to-follow checklists and instructions guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you don’t miss anything, and we highlight the specific documentation you’ll likely need for your REAL ID application.
    3. Time Savings: We take the research and form-filling off your plate, freeing up your valuable time to focus on enjoying married life, and we help you understand what documents to gather before your DMV visit, saving you potential return trips.
    4. Reduced Stress: Knowing you have a reliable partner in navigating this administrative task, including the often-stressful REAL ID process, can significantly reduce stress and overwhelm.
    5. Expert Support: Our team is here to answer your questions and provide support along the way, including common questions and requirements related to REAL ID.

    For an in-depth guide on how to change your name after marriage, please click here

    Changing your name after marriage is a significant step, symbolizing the beautiful commitment you’ve made. Don’t let the complexities of paperwork, especially the requirements for a REAL ID, overshadow your joy. Let HitchSwitch handle the less glamorous but necessary administrative realities, so you can focus on the joy of your new life together and ensure you have the compliant identification you need for the future. Ready to say “I did it!” to your name change, and get on the path to your REAL ID, without the headache? Explore HitchSwitch today and let us simplify your happily ever after.

  • 5 Options To Consider When Changing Your Name

    5 Options To Consider When Changing Your Name

    Of all the things to think about when planning a wedding, a name change might be at the top of your list. In today’s modern world, it is more socially acceptable to change your name to whatever you want. When it comes to the final decision regarding changing your name, here are a few options to consider.

    Stick With The Name Your Mama Gave Ya

    You decide to stick with the name given to you at birth because of obvious reasons. Every person has an idea as to why they keep their name as is and there’s nothing wrong with that. By keeping your maiden name, you’ll save yourself the trouble of filling out countless applications and visits to the happiest place on earth: the DMV. It’s widely known that in many parts of the world, a woman taking her husband’s last name is not only mandatory but what makes a marriage last. With the numbers of women seeking a part in the work field quickly on the rise, the percentage of women keeping their maiden name for professional reasons is a prominent one.

    Pragya Agarwal, a researcher the University of Liverpool and business owner of Hedge and Hog Prints states that her name is a “huge part” of her identity and being responsible for several academic publications, “it did not make sense to change it.” It also makes that women will keep their maiden name to be credited for the professional work they present in their field.

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    Take Your Spouse’s Name

    The most common-traditional route. Several women in today’s world choose to take their spouse’s last name after marriage. The procedure is a long one but can be fairly explained here.

    First, the couple needs to obtain an official copy of their marriage certificate. Depending on which state you reside in, you’ll end up paying a different fee for a copy (you will probably need more than one). You will then need to apply for a new SSN (completely free) along with your ID and marriage certificate. You can either choose to mail in your form or head over to the nearest Social Security office.

    Next up is your driver license and passport. Again, depending on where you live, fees will vary. Be sure to fill out the appropriate forms for a new passport after the name change. If you are a frequent traveler, you don’t want your ID stating a different name than your passport. That won’t look too good when you’re trying to board that plane to Bora Bora for your honeymoon.

    https://media.giphy.com/media/6Q3M4BIK0lX44/giphy.gif

    Click here if you need to update your passport photo from the comfort of your home.

    Hyphenate Your Names

    If you want to hyphenate your name-taking both maiden names and combining them to make two family names- you will still have to go through the same name change process and fill out the same applications. Read more about the process here.

    Some people choose to hyphenate their names as soon as they get married, and some like Nicole Bradley-Bernard decided to change it after six years of marriage. In her article, she states that her long-awaited decision came after the realization of self-importance. She goes on to say how one’s name shouldn’t be tossed out just because of outdated traditions.

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    By choosing to have your husband’s name does not mean you need to give up yours. It’s always been expected of women to give up their identity after marriage, and alas, women are stepping up and holding on to their original status. Hyphenating your last names is a great way to keep your name and take your husband’s name. It’s also a great example of unity within a family once couples decide to bring children in the picture.

    Change Name Legally, But Keep It Professional

    Hannah Montana said it best: you get the best of both worlds.

    This is the route I took because my career depends on my name. I’ll admit, it has not been easy because it causes some confusion among my peers and friends. It’s like having two identities and of course, people constantly asking why I don’t just use my husband’s last name.

    https://media.giphy.com/media/eGi9RrBhbguQw/giphy.gif

    Imagine working your butt off for the work you do, just to put it under a different name that isn’t even you! I mean, that’s how I saw it, at least. Like I said above, more women are becoming part of the work field, and most nowadays are keeping their maiden name because it is their professional name. If this the route you want to pursue, be sure to consider all the pros and cons of the decision.

    Create A Hybrid Last Name

    Yes, this is an actual thing. If all the above options aren’t to your liking, you can make up your last name. I mean, seriously, how fun would that be? If I knew about this option, I would’ve changed my last name to Stark nine years ago. With the eighth season of Game of Thrones coming out, it becomes more tempting as the days go by…

    https://media.giphy.com/media/xTcnTehwgRcbgymhTW/giphy.gif

    Winter is officially here, you guys. If Jon Snow doesn’t end up on the throne, my life will officially have no meaning.

    For a list of people who completely changed their last name and didn’t have a single regret, click here.

    Make sure to let your work of employment, government agencies, your bank, and social media know of your name change after changing it.

  • The Importance of Sharing a Surname with Your Kids: What to Consider

    The Importance of Sharing a Surname with Your Kids: What to Consider

    The Importance of Sharing a Surname with Your Kids: What to Consider

    In today’s evolving landscape, many people are thoughtfully deciding to keep their maiden name after marriage. The reasons are diverse and deeply personal, often stemming from a desire to maintain independence, preserve a professional identity, or simply avoid the societal pressure to change. Some feel a strong connection to their birth name, seeing it as a vital part of their identity that they wish to preserve.

    But as families grow and children enter the picture, a new question often arises: Will your children carry your last name, your partner’s, or a combination of both? While the decision about surnames is entirely personal, it’s widely recognized that having a different last name from your children can present unique considerations and, at times, unexpected challenges.

    It’s widely known that having a different surname from your children will produce a few problems. The most prominent one (which is actually not that big of a problem) would always be correcting people’s assumptions about you. Most people will assume you’re divorced, considering that your child has a different name than yours.

    Everyday Perceptions and Identity

    Perhaps the most common experience is the frequent need to clarify assumptions. When your child has a different surname, people may often presume you are divorced or not the biological parent. While this isn’t a “major problem” in the grand scheme, consistently correcting these assumptions can become tiring over time. As children grow older, they become more observant. They might notice that their surname doesn’t match yours, leading to questions about family identity. While many parents are comfortable addressing these inquiries, it’s a conversation worth being prepared for.

    Considerations for Travel and Official Situations

    Beyond daily interactions, more significant issues can arise, particularly when traveling internationally or dealing with official documentation. Consider the experience of Hannah Marshall, who was stopped by border control because her daughter did not share her last name. She was suspected of attempting to abduct the child. This highlights a serious concern: authorities are highly vigilant about child trafficking and abduction.

    Due to these safeguards, if you’re traveling with children who have a different surname from yours, you may be asked to provide additional legal documents. This could include:

    • The child’s birth certificate (listing both parents).
    • A consent letter from the other parent (if they are not traveling with you).
    • Your marriage certificate or divorce decree, depending on the situation.

    UK Home Office clarified this procedure is in place to safeguard children, but it can lead to significant delays and stress if you’re unprepared.

    Administrative Hurdles: School, Medical, and Legal Forms

    The surname difference can also introduce minor administrative complexities in various aspects of your daily life:

    • School Applications and Emergency Contacts: When enrolling children in school or filling out emergency contact forms, a name discrepancy might prompt extra questions or require additional proof of your parental relationship. In an emergency, schools are more likely to verify identity with a matching surname, potentially causing slight delays.
    • Doctor’s Visits and Medical Consent: At a doctor’s office, you might face additional scrutiny when providing medical consent or accessing records if your last name doesn’t match your child’s. Having readily available identification that links you to your child (like a birth certificate) is crucial.
    • Parental Consent for Minors: For situations requiring parental permission, such as a teenager applying for a learner’s permit at the DMV or seeking job employment, you may need to provide robust documentation to prove your legal relationship. While these issues are generally resolvable, they can become roadblocks without proper preparation.

    These scenarios, while often manageable, underscore the importance of understanding potential complications and ensuring you have all necessary supporting documentation readily available.

    Making Your Informed Decision

    Ultimately, the choice of surname for both parents and children is a deeply personal one. There’s no universal “right” answer, and families are increasingly embracing diverse naming conventions. However, being aware of the potential practical implications—from clarifying assumptions to navigating border control—can help you make an informed decision that works best for your family.

    Whatever path you choose, remember that HitchSwitch is here to simplify your name change needs. Whether you’re considering adopting your partner’s surname, creating a new hyphenated name, or ensuring consistency with your children’s last name, our service provides the customized forms and step-by-step instructions to make the process as seamless as possible.

    Ready to simplify your name change journey? Let HitchSwitch take the stress out of updating your identity, ensuring all your documents reflect your chosen surname with ease.

  • WOMEN OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY, ON CHANGING THEIR NAME & STARTING A PODCAST!

    WOMEN OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY, ON CHANGING THEIR NAME & STARTING A PODCAST!

    In 2016, Lisa & Rebecca started a podcast called The Secret Life of Weddings.

    On a mission to tell the world’s craziest wedding stories, the podcast is, in their own words, “full of alcohol and bad ideas.” The two real-life wedding photographers have spent 20+ years working in the industry and love dishing out on some unbelievable yet hysterical wedding drama. If you’re engaged, Lisa & Rebecca promise to take you from hot mess wedding planning mode to pee your pants laughing!

    Here at HitchSwitch, we’re not just their #1 fans but are proud to be the official sponsor of The Secret Life of Weddings.

    Read below to get in on our conversation with co-hosts, Lisa & Rebecca!

    Q&A

    What inspired you to start SLOW?

    We have been wedding photographers for so many years and have seen everything that can go right and hilariously wrong! One time we worked together on a particular wedding where someone was acting quite challenging, and over drinks, we thought up the idea of starting a podcast! We figured that this podcast would be a great place for fellow wedding vendors, brides, guests, etc. could anonymously email us their craziest true wedding stories, and we would share with the world! That’s when The Secret Life of Weddings was born.

    What has been the most challenging aspect of starting a podcast?

    Probably always recording and releasing the episodes on-time no matter what.  We understood that in order to be successful, we had to treat running a podcast like a business because essentially, that’s what it is. I don’t think we’ve ever missed a drop date, even if we were sick or on holiday. You learn to handle it! And to do it for over a year and a half is a challenge, but our amazing loyal listeners & sponsors make it worthwhile for us.

    What do you love about working in the Wedding Industry?

    That people genuinely care about the couple getting married and the wedding planning process. It’s really cool to see families come together and become one!

    What is The funniest listener submission.. if you can pick one?

    Oh, that’s like asking to pick a favorite kid, but if we had to pick one, it would probably be the one where a bride fell off a golf cart and got run over. It sounds horrible, I know, but I promise it was hilarious! The fact that you really shouldn’t be laughing …  just makes you laugh even harder! She was 100% okay so we hope the universe will forgive us for laughing.

    Did either of you change your name and what did that mean for you?

    Yes, we both did! I (Lisa) actually added my husband’s last name onto my existing maiden name. It’s important to note I chose not to hyphenate because I didn’t want to create a new name, but only take on his name and maintain my existing last name too. I kept my maiden name for professional reasons and use my full married name for family purposes, as my kids have my married name. It meant a lot to me to take my husband’s name (I like the tradition of it), but my maiden name also still meant a lot to me. This was the perfect compromise and just felt right.

    What is your favorite current wedding trend?

    Late night food, definitely! Weddings are definitely the best excuse to let loose and eat every amazing food in sight! You can dance it off later 😉

    What advice do you have for a brides-to-be in dealing with the stress of wedding planning/ frustrating guests & family?

    Try to keep perspective and accept the fact that something, no matter how small, will go wrong on your wedding day. It’s best to accept this fact and decide it won’t ruin your wedding day. As for unwanted advice from well-meaning friends & family, merely thank them for their thoughts and change the subject. Wedding planning is prime time for people coming out of the woodwork with unwanted suggestions. Let them feel like they helped, and then do what you want anyway. It’s your wedding, not theirs.

    You’re both married. Can you share any advice for newly married HitchSwitch clients?

    Don’t expect marriage to be easy. You will have disagreements, and it’s all about how you handle them. Pick your battles … not everything is worth fighting over. If you fight or argue – don’t worry about it. It means you care about your relationship. Remember always to be each other’s best friend!

  • Healthy Habits for You and Your Partner

    Healthy Habits for You and Your Partner

    Do you know when you’re sitting on the toilet and scrolling through your Instagram and see a video with an elderly couple talking about how they’ve been married for 50+ years? How somehow they’ve cracked “the code” to a long, healthy, and fulfilling marriage?

    And you’re sitting there thinking, “how the f— did they do that?”

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    Those people are my heroes because while marriage is a beautiful experience, it is undoubtedly difficult to keep afloat sometimes. Some days, you have calm waters and a relaxing sea breeze, and others are filled with storms and waves ready to drown you.

    There are simple strategies you can engage in helping maintain a healthy relationship. Here are some of our favorite small habits that will make a huge difference. 

     1. Set in Motion Your Emotion

    I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Being emotionally connected to your partner is far more important than being physically connected to them (AKA sex). If you’re in it for the long-run, then establishing an emotionally connect is very, very important. According to Marriage, creating this bond will not only strengthen your communication skills, but will also help build respect, better sex, and a sense of security.

    How to build that connection?

    Just don’t keep any feelings from your partner. If there are any problems, never shoo them to the side. Always talk about how you feel and get it out in the open. Don’t let the work-life dominate your relationship; always have one day of the week dedicated to your partner. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you can’t get out there and have fun.

    2. A T-Rex was Once an Egg

    This was my grandpapa’s way of saying, “the little things matter, you dipshit.”

    I can’t speak for all women, but when my husband sends me a hearty text with a bunch of kissing emojis, I smile like a bumbling buffoon. We’ve only been married for three years, but it still gets to me. His job requires a ton of physical labor so the fact that he found the time to shoot me a message just reminds me of why I married this guy in the first place.

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    It doesn’t have to be a text. It could be buying them lunch, surprising them at work, sending them flowers, cooking them dinner, and leaving post-it notes with flirty messages all over the house.

    The little things keep the sparks flying, trust me.

    3. Communicate EVERYTHING

    By everything, I do mean the good, the bad, and the ugly. As a married couple, we always want the best for each other, and whenever something grand happens, we tell each other right away.

    But what about those difficult conversations that we would rather not talk about? It could be stress, body weight, anxiety, car troubles, and even a pile of unpaid bills. The conversations that are a must have are usually the ones we don’t want to discuss at all.

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    If you’re having trouble starting a difficult conversation with your partner, Very Well Mind has a wonderful article full of incredible advice and helpful tips.

    4. Knowing When You’re in the Wrong

    Me: “I would like to buy a Y.”

    Pat: “There are three Y’s.”

    Me: Is it “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way”?

    Your relationship is not perfect.

    Fights will happen where you will argue and cry and yell. When you are the one at fault in an argument, don’t apologize in a way that makes your partner feel that their emotions are irrelevant (refer to quote above). Please don’t be that dumb.

    You always want to be empathic when apologizing. You need to recognize that you’re in the wrong and let your partner know that you will change your behavior and fix your mistakes. Unsolved arguments lead to more complications and buried emotions. That’s uncharted territory, and we do not want to go there.

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    Dedicating Time for Each Other

    I know it doesn’t need to be said and you should be dedicating time for your partner every day. Unfortunately, life gets in the way, and sometimes, we’re too busy even to call to say ‘hello.’

    Planning to see a movie, going for a stroll in the park, visiting some close friends, and even cuddling are great ways to show your partner you’re there and you care.

  • Why You Should Consider Taking Your Partner’s Last Name?

    Why You Should Consider Taking Your Partner’s Last Name?

    Marriage is one hell of a ride.

    There are numerous things to consider before getting married. Since medieval times, a woman taking her husband’s last name was understandable, no question about it. Luckily for us, those days of patriarchy are over (kinda) and changing your last name is now an independent choice!

    And let’s face it, the world has changed. Same-sex marriage is legal now, more women are in the work field making their name their brand/identity, some couples prefer hyphenation, some prefer keeping their surname as their middle name, and some like to change the last name entirely.

    All in all, there’s no shame in keeping your last name, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with taking your significant other’s last name.

    So the million dollar question: should I take my partner’s last name?

    While only YOU know the answer to that question, we’re here to tell you why you should contemplate changing your last name.

    1. Us Against The World

    Like my four-year-old niece always reminds me, “There’s no “I” in “TEAM.”  She doesn’t even know what it means but her mom persists on making her a “team player,” whatever the heck that means.

    Some marriages work, some don’t. But if you are married, and you are confident that this person is your soulmate, then taking their last name will make you feel like nothing can get you down. It’s just very different after marriage because this person becomes your go-to for everything! You cry to them, complain to them, cook for them, clean for them, and live for them. Plus, you want the whole world to associate you with them. Marriage is love and love is joining as one against the whole damn world.

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    2. Out With The Old, In With The New

    Think of marriage as a door opening to another world, because really, it is. Your whole world gets turned upside down and everything changes.

    You start to pave a path with your partner, and you have to adjust to the new world around you. In a way, you have to leave your “old” life behind and embrace this new adventure with your loved one. Part of that “old” life is your maiden name.

    Yes, it could be scary and overwhelming, but it could also be exciting and fun! With a new identity, it feels like you’ve got a second chance to do the things you love with the person you love.

    3. Think Of The Children

    There’s no doubt that every mother or father wants the same surname as their future children. Having different names than your children causes confusions at schools, hospitals, and airports. If you have teenage children, then you’ll know that even your breathing embarrasses them.

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    To make things easier for yourself, in the long run, it’s best to take your partner’s last name and save yourself some trouble. When you think family, you don’t think of each parent having a different last name.

    4. Judge Judy Eyes

    Ok, you’re not going to like this one, but I feel obliged to mention it because I know what it’s like to come from a judgy family. Hey, people are assholes, and that includes family.

    When I told my family I wouldn’t be changing my last name after marriage, they were appalled. It’s become so accustomed in our family for a woman to change her maiden name that when someone questioned it, it seemed corrupt. I had an uncle tell me that if I wasn’t going to change my last name to my husband’s, then I shouldn’t get married at all.

    Yeah, asshole family but I still love them like crazy.

    After a year of marriage, I changed my last name because it felt like the right thing to do and it’s what I wanted to do. There was no pressure from anyone, and my husband never rushed me into it.

    My point is, no matter what you decide to do, there will always be people there to judge you. People’s opinion should never have an impact on your decisions. Honestly, what are middle fingers for if not these moments?

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    5. Stronger Bond

    Do you know who makes me the happiest person on the planet? My partner.

    While changing your last name may not seem like a big deal to you, for some, it means a lot. Once I got the hang of marriage and realized I married the man of my dreams, I decided to strengthen the bond between us. For people from our cultural background, that meant taking his last name. When I finally did it, I felt like the happiest person on the planet. I swear I am not over exaggerating, you guys.

    It just seemed official at last! I was ecstatic, and it felt like one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

    via GIPHY

    If you are considering changing your last name, then HitchSwitch is here to help you through the process. Always speak to your partner before making any final decisions, and in the end, always remember that the choice is up to you.

  • Color Me Green! St. Patrick’s Day Activities

    Color Me Green! St. Patrick’s Day Activities

    Saint Patrick’s Day. A day where everyone is seen wearing a green shirt with the quote “Kiss Me I’m Irish.” Unless you’re a six-year-old, then you’ve just been coloring in leprechauns and making pots of gold out of construction paper.

    Do you think those people actually know the history behind St. Paddy’s Day or is it just an excuse to get totally sh*t faced? I mean, it was the rage in my early twenties, but once you’ve tied the knot and pushed a couple of humans heads out of you, you’re lucky to squeeze in a glass of wine.

    Getting off topic, I know.

    So I doubt many people know the story of Saint Patrick so to honor the Saint, here’s a quick summary of the infamous holiday.

    First, he was born in Scotland, and his actual name was Maewyn Succat, and he took the name Patrick after becoming a priest. When he was a young boy, the Roman empire was weak and under attack. By the time he was a young man, he was captured by raiders and sold as a slave. He was taken to Ireland where in his confessions, he mentions spending time with the sheep and finding solace in prayers and God. He mentions seeing God in his dreams and believing he had a mission for him.

    Long story short, he brought Christianity to Ireland and drove out paganism which was the dominant religion at the time.

    The Irish celebrate this conversion on the 17th of March every year. Here are a few activities that are adult and kid friendly to get you in the spirits of this Irish holiday.

    1. Teach Your Kids About The Holiday

    March marks Irish American Heritage Month. The Irish know why they’re celebrating this day, but many American households celebrate it because of the fun and sake of the kids. While it’s always great to take part in a foreign holiday, both children and adults should know the history behind it.

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    Printing out coloring pages with leprechauns, pots of gold, rainbows, and even the flag of Ireland is a great way to hype kids up and get them learning about the holiday. You can also hit them up with some trivia! There are many myths that surround the story of St. Patrick and kids love those! Who knows? You might learn something yourself.

    2. Green Desserts

    I’m talking rainbow cupcakes, shamrock gummies, lucky charms rice krispies, Bailey’s Irish Coffee Caramel Brownies, shamrock pretzels, St. Patrick’s Day cake, and a little something called drunken grasshopper fudge. Good Housekeeping has a ton more recipes but I only picked the ones I’ve personally tried and have fallen drunk in love with, haha.

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    So a majority of these desserts can be done with the help of a pair (or two) of little helping hands. It’s a great way to bond with children because well, it’s a lot of sugar and kids love helping out in the kitchen. There will be a lot of green frosting, and rainbow sprinkles so have them administrate the final touch.\

    3. Gold Hunt

    You create two teams, and each team gets a “leprechaun” bucket (just a tin bucket I got from The Dollar Store). I painted a four-leafed clover on one and a rainbow on the other to make it more fun, but you can paint anything else that’s related to the holiday.

    Both teams have to scour the area and find as many gold chocolate coins as they can before a certain amount of time. Of course, those gold coins would have been hidden by you the night before. If you want the competition to heat up, you can conceal dollar bills and whichever team wins, gets a payday. The other side gets chocolate gold coins! It’s a win-win!

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    4. Leprechaun Relay

    For this activity, you do need a leprechaun costume. You can choose to make it at home or take the easy road and purchase it from your nearest Party City. I love the idea of this activity because it encourages kids to get moving!

    You split your players into two teams and have them form two lines. You offer the costume to the first player in front. Then, they must run an obstacle course conducted by an adult, return to the line, take off the outfit, and pass it on to the next player. The process continues until one team uses up all its players and win.

    5. Celebrate With Irish Music

    Finally, some dancing.

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    I love watching kids dance because they get so creative with those dance moves! You can play Irish music and even hire a dancer to teach the children (and yourself) some new moves. If you want to make it a game, you can play Freeze Jig. It’s the Irish version of Red Light, Green Light. You play music, and when the music stops, the children stop dancing and freeze. The last person to freeze is the winner.

    There are so many activities to choose from! I promised myself I would never get sucked into the Pinterest Vortex, but Pinterest has a ton of great ideas for activities, food, and fun! It’s a day full of luck so you should be just fine! Good luck!

  • How to decide if you should change your name?

    How to decide if you should change your name?

    How to decide if you should change your name?

    Changing one’s name is no easy task, nor is it something you decide to do overnight. A person’s name is their brand and identity. It’s how people know us; it’s how they associate things with us. Like if someone mentions your name, others might associate you with your famous chicken pot pie or even something horrible, like being a total asshole. Hey, it could be something you’re proud of, who knows?

    Like I said, not easy.

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    Now, what reasons are there for one to change their name? If you’re like me, you always thought it was just a marriage thing. When you dig a little deeper, you find out some people change their name just because they don’t like them. Other reasons include divorce, combining surnames, religious reasons, or want a less (or more) ethnic name.

    If you’re on the brink of changing your name, but are hesitant and don’t know what steps to take, here’s what you need to know before making a life-changing decision.

    No Fancy Work, All You

    That’s right, all you. Even though changing a name is a long process, it is also pretty straightforward. You don’t need to hire an attorney or worry about it being too complicated. If the name change is not marriage related, the process is relatively simple depending on where you reside.  

    You need to gather up any paperwork with your current name on it (social security, ID, driver license, etc.) and prepare it in case a judge asks to see it. Then you complete a petition for Change of Name where you will provide your current name, SSN, and reasons for changing your name. After the paperwork is filled out, you pay a filing fee which is usually no more than $100 and are assigned a hearing. You attend the hearing, answer the honorable judge’s question, get the judge’s signature, and boom, you’ve got yourself a name change.

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    It’ll Cost You a Couple Hundos

    Most worthwhile things do, I guess. Although price varies from state to state, the big chunk of your payment will be from obtaining a court order and publishing it in a newspaper (more on that later). Documentation fees also vary from state to state, so the best thing you can do is check the website for your county courthouse and see how much each document will cost you (usually between $20-$25). When you get the ok to change your name from the court, you will have to pay up for every official copy you request that is stamped with an official seal.  

    Of course, there are always companies who simplify the name change process by providing you with all the applications you need from your state for an incredible price. They also offer excellent customer service and are with you every step of the way until you are delighted with your new name.

    It’s us. We’re that company, and our goal is to make the name change process as effortless and painless as possible. We’re here for you!

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    There Cannot Be Two Ryan Goslings

    Can you imagine, though? I personally feel like it would make the world a better place. According to Insider, there are a few exceptions when it comes to the name change, and here they are:

    • Celebrity name (intentionally misleading)
    • No punctuations or numerals
    • Nothing racial/offensive
    • If you have committed a crime or are in debt

    Hello World, This Is The New Me

    This is where the other big chunk of your money will go to because the majority of states require you to publish your name change in the newspaper! Yes, you will have to pay a publisher to post that you have officially changed your name under a category named “legal notices.”

    And if we’re being brutally honest here, that shit’s expensive. Of course, all newspaper prices differ, and if you’re lucky, maybe your judge will let you pick where you would like to post your announcement.

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    Slow Your Roll, This Might Take a While

    A wise man once told me, “Seriously, can you chill the f–k out?”

    Kidding, I say that like a hundred times a day to myself. The thing is that this will take a while. Like “longer than waiting for your number to be called at the DMV” while. I know what you’re thinking, but again, if you are not up to complete the process, HitchSwitch will do all the work for you! No lines, no waiting, no worrying, and no more headaches.

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    If you’re having a hard time deciding, I don’t blame you! A name is like a valuable you own and you can’t imagine yourself without it! But with every end, comes a new beginning. So who knows, maybe a new name will lead to a new and better life?

    Cheers to your new name!

  • How to Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

    How to Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

    Holy moly, can you guys believe we’re already in February? I swear just yesterday was New Year’s, and I was toasting to a more productive year, and here I am wondering what the hell happened to January. Well, in the words of Anthony G. Oettinger, “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

    Get it? One of the perks of growing old is finding anything and everything amusing.

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    Moving on! Another month means another holiday and with all the heart-shaped cookies, balloons, and candies at every corner, I’m sure you can guess what holiday we’re talking about here. If I’m honest, I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day because, um, hello, it’s dead set on shaming all my single people. A shame, I know, considering the history behind Valentine’s Day is a beautiful one.

    But it’s become a commercialized holiday just like Christmas.

    Damn it, America, you insatiable beast.

    Alright, I’m done ranting, let’s move on to why I still think it’s a good idea to throw a party on this particular day. Personally, I don’t need a holiday to tell me to buy sweets and teddy bears for my loved ones because I already know I’m #blessed. The reason I love throwing a party is that I have tons of single friends who don’t know how to express themselves due to society’s ridiculous notion that being single is abnormal.

    So I host a party and invite all my friends, regardless of their relationship status because even though this just another day of the year, everyone needs to feel like they’re loved.

    So here it is people, this is how you throw a righteous Valentine’s Day party.

    Invite (Almost) EVERYONE

    Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Is it really a good idea to mix my single friends with my dating/married friends? And the answer to your question is yes, it a fantastic idea. This isn’t your “making out in a corner” or “get a room” kind of party, and it’s always best to make that clear when inviting people over. This is not your frat house college party, this is a gathering of your loved ones, and people need to be on their best behavior.

    Is kissing off limits? No, I’m not a monster, but if couples wish to be passionate, then they can stay home.

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    Now here’s who you don’t invite:

    –  That one friend whose sworn off men/women

    – Jim, from accounting, whose mood kills party vibes

    – Anyone who was dumped February 13

    While you do want to be considerate towards everyone, you need to know where to draw the line.

    Heart Shaped Invitations

    Or cupcake shaped. Or bear shaped. Hey, be creative. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even send out personalized invitations to all your guests! Just make sure you send them out a week before, so you have an estimate of how many people RSVP.

    Now, invitations are amazing because this is where you’re going to state the event, place, time, food,  and my personal favorite, the rules.

    What, a party with rules? Yes, those are the best ones, duh.

    There will be singles at your party, so you need to make it clear that there is NO KISSING ALLOWED. At least nothing heavy and makes people wonder why they showed up in the first place.

    But alas, an invitation is not a rulebook, so if anyone has any questions about the party, they should be able to contact you via phone or email! I once had a couple bring their kids and leave. Do you know where I am with those people now? I’m not. Because I cut people out the same way I cut paper hearts, smoothly and without complication.

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    The point is, always know what’s allowed and what’s prohibited at YOUR party. For some, it’s a very sensitive day, and the last thing you want to do is hit a nerve.

    Ariana Grande Your Place

    I’m talking pink walls, pink hearts, pink plates, pink balloons, pink punch, pink lightning, etc. I guess you can pop a red in there somewhere. This one day a year is when you can go HAM on decor. Have heart-shaped balloons fill the ceiling, pick an array of red and pink foods such as chocolate cupcake with pink frosting, heart candy with messages (obviously), chocolate dipped strawberries, raspberry and strawberry punch, etc. Purchase red and pink curtains and cover up the walls.

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    Of course, can’t forget the DIYs. Your choices are endless, and they’ll make great additions to your home even after the party is over.

    Be Extra

    Well, more than your usual extra. You want to go all out? Here are some bonus tips:

    – Hire a professional photographer to snap pictures of everyone.

    – Set up a Photo Booth with a hedgewall that says “I’m a Lover!”

    – Set up a projector and play a few classic romance movies in the background.

    – Piñata, Piñata, Piñata! With heart eyes blindfold!

    – Goodie bags (be that badass host!)

    – Palm reading!!

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    There are just a few things you can incorporate into your party! No matter what you decide to do, the most important thing to add to any party is lots of love and laughter. I know that sounds like something out of a fairytale, but hey, it’s true.

    XOXO,

    Your Friends at HitchSwitch