Marriage after name Change

[Jessika]

Hi everyone,
My question, based on what my Wife asked me last night after I mentioned starting to look into my Name Change, was how will our Marriage Certificate/License/Ect be affected?

So now I ask you all. Do I need to change anything or aren't Marriages for Life no matter what until Death or Divorce?

[Tessa James]

Fortunately for us, the SCOTUS decision in support of marriage for all keeps our marriages legal.  I am not trying for any kind of stealth but do wonder about the name change options???

I transitioned prior to the SCOTUS decision and we did worry that our marriage of 40 years could be challenged.  I too wonder if anyone here has had their marriage licensure changed to reflect their new union, of two wives in our case??

We talk about getting remarried as a loving way to express our recommitment. 

[KarynMcD]

It's just a name change. They happen all the time. The old you doesn't just disappear and stop existing.
You might want to have it reissued with your new name, but how often do you even need it?

Now a gender change used to cause problems in some states, but not a name change.

[Jessika]

Thank you.
Not going to worry about it that much.

Bigger concerns will be changing my Military Records, DD-214, on top of all the other stuff....uuuugh.

[diane 2606]

I never bothered to change my DD-214, mostly because I've exhausted all the VA benefits I'll likely ever use. But, I don't believe the feds have any significant issues with name changes, etc. There was nary a blink when I changed my name and sex on my government-issued pilot certificate. There were no issues obtaining a passport.

I'd go for it, but I'm not in your situation. I think the worst they could do is request more documentation. If you decide to change your DD-214, I think doing so before the November election is probably advisable. If Cruz is elected we'll end up with all three branches of government under the control of extremist social conservatives. Who knows what they'll do with their new-found power?

[Jessie Ann]

There have been issues in the past with getting records changed in the military.  It has gotten better but it is still up to the military review board to decide if they will grant the change and issue a new record with your new name. They have in the past taken the view that these records are historical records that can't be altered.  It has only been in the last few years that records have been allowed to be changed.  You will need to fill out a DD FORM 149.

There is recommended language to use in asking for the correction.  Here is a link to the National Center For Transgender Equality page that will give you all the information you need to change your records.

http://www.transequality.org/know-your-rights/military-records

[Jessika]

Thank you for your responses.
I guess the first thing I need to look into is getting the official change by a Judge, then take that Document to whomever is concerned for the rest.

My fear is...I don't know "When" to start the Name Change process. I wanted to 6 months ago, I want to now and I want to wait until after 1 year on HRT..ect.
I can't decide and my feelings keep changing. One Moment it's "Let's DO it." The next it's "I wonder if I should wait for this or that."

My Family and Friends call me Jessika (with the exception of the occasional slip, as expected when people have known you so long with a different name). The only time I use my legal male name is if I have to.

I went to a Telehealth Appointment a few days ago as my True self (Jessika) and the Lady asked me, as she looked up my VA information. "You are still listed under your Legal name?" I said, "Yes...For now still."

It felt weird.

Another aspect of starting the name change is "My looks don't match the name."