When should I update my name with my company?

[Anna++]

I'm not sure when is the safest time to update my name with my company.  My holiday break begins Friday, and I hear there are about 20 internal systems that need to be updated with the new info.  Is it safer to wait until after the holidays in case there are any problems, that way things can be worked out when the company is fully staffed?  Or should I just be impatient and do it now?  My health insurance is one of the things that they'll change, and it would be nice to know what name I'm covered under during the break

[Brooke777]

If you are not yet out at work, you should do that first. After that, I think you should have it changed as soon as you are ready to go full time (assuming you have legally changed your name as well). The name on your insurance, should match your ID.

Just something I learned while doing this is to have a copy of your name change paperwork to prove you did go by that name.

[Anna++]

If you are not yet out at work, you should do that first. After that, I think you should have it changed as soon as you are ready to go full time (assuming you have legally changed your name as well). The name on your insurance, should match your ID.

Just something I learned while doing this is to have a copy of your name change paperwork to prove you did go by that name.

I'm out at work, and I've been full time since August .  Michigan was slow with my name change, I filed in September but finally had my court day last week.

I'm trying to decide between "Update now!" and "Wait until after the break"

[Brooke777]

I'm out at work, and I've been full time since August .  Michigan was slow with my name change, I filed in September but finally had my court day last week.

Congrats on the name change! 

Since everything else is done, in my opinion, you should just have your company start changing everything now. It took my company about 2 months to get it changed everywhere, so be prepared for some delays.

[Heather]

Anna I'd suggest doing it now! And congrats on the name change btw I'm so happy for you girl!!!

[suzifrommd]

I'd do it as soon after the legal name change as you can manage. Changing your name should not be a big deal, since most women do it when they marry, so employers are usually used to doing it.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

As soon as your name change is done, you need to do it.  Anything less could be considered fraud, as you are legally known as the new name.

[bethany]

I agree with the others start the process of changing your name as soon as you can. I am still working on having my insurances change my name..

[Adam (birkin)]

I think it might be best to do it after the holiday break, simply for the reason you said about the systems all being updated. I've had a few experiences with systems going faulty, it took 3 times to update my gender marker at school.

[Anna++]

I think it might be best to do it after the holiday break, simply for the reason you said about the systems all being updated. I've had a few experiences with systems going faulty, it took 3 times to update my gender marker at school.

This is what I'm leaning towards right now.  I have a dentist appointment Saturday and I'll need to refill my hormones in the next few days.  I want to make sure everything goes through smoothly!

As soon as your name change is done, you need to do it.  Anything less could be considered fraud, as you are legally known as the new name.

I have old ID, new ID, and court papers showing the change.  Isn't that enough?

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

You should be good to go.  Change everything and dump the old ID. 

[Rachel]

Congratulations!

I would start tomorrow.

[Robin Mack]

I've worked on a high level with a number of companies and their software systems (and accounting departments).  In January there will be a lot of year-end tasks to do, and the end of December is generally relatively quiet.  Changing your name should be a task that could easily be assigned to the more junior people (who will likely be the only ones who couldn't schedule time off around Christmas) so now would be a great time!

Do eet!  And congratulations!!!

*happy dance*

[Tessa James]

There is no better time than now to take action IMO.  Congratulations on your successful name change and being out full time.  Those are things to celebrate and acknowledge at home and at work.  Oregon has been very responsive and I will, barring an unlikely challenge, be officially Tessa James as the new year of 2014 begins.

Then, like you, I can begin the name change process in a zillion places from DMV to Social Security.

This change is good!

[Misato]

You're ending 2013 with your legal name as Anna and 2014 will be here soon, as will tax season. So change it girl! The 20 systems aren't your problem. The name the company has not being your legal name, that is.