US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Name Change
Is there a time limit for me to change my name once married?

Is there a time limit for me to change my name once married?

Q: Are you automatically married after living together?

No, living together does not automatically make you married in California. While California recognizes common law marriage in some contexts, it does not allow for automatic marriage based solely on cohabitation. A formal marriage ceremony and license are required to be legally married.

Q: Can you get married and have the ceremony later?

Yes, in California, you can legally marry by obtaining a marriage license and having a civil ceremony. You can choose to have a larger wedding ceremony later. The date of the civil ceremony is when you are legally married, regardless of when you have the larger celebration.

Q: When you get your marriage certificate, are you legally married?

Yes, once you receive your marriage certificate in California, it confirms that you are legally married. However, you must first have a marriage ceremony and ensure the officiant files the marriage license with the county clerk. The certificate serves as official proof of your marriage.

Q: Are you legally married after 7 years in California?

No, simply living together for seven years does not automatically make you legally married in California. Legal marriage requires a marriage license and a ceremony. California does not recognize common law marriage, so you must formally marry to be considered legally married.

Full question:

I reside in California. My fiancee and I are going to be married in the next few months in a civil ceremony, and then have a big wedding in about a year and a half. I do not want to change my name until we have the big wedding. Is there a time limit on name changes, due to marriage, in the State of California?

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: California

Answer:

No, there is no time limit.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

At what point are you legally married in California?

In California, you are legally married once you have obtained a marriage license and have participated in a marriage ceremony. The ceremony must be conducted by an authorized officiant, and both parties must consent to the marriage. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the marriage license with the county clerk to finalize the marriage legally.

What makes you legally married in California?

To be legally married in California, you must meet certain requirements: obtain a marriage license, participate in a marriage ceremony, and have the ceremony conducted by an authorized officiant. Both parties must also be of legal age or have parental consent if underage. Once these steps are completed, you are considered legally married.