I just got married last week, and everything was perfect and beautiful. I made the (slightly controversial in my circles) decision to assume my husbands last name. Since I was on the fence about that decision for so long, I didn’t look into any of the logistics on how to do that until after, and I didn’t realize it takes so long?? That’s fine with me, because we’re travelling out of country for a few months as an extended honeymoon and rock climbing holiday, so I didn’t want to get a new passport etc before we left.

However, I feel like I’m in such a weird grey area now! I’ve changed my name on social media, and announced it to my family and friends, but I don’t know what to sign on documents? Obviously at the border I’m still [maiden name] but when do I start signing papers with my new name, or using it? Can I start signing unimportant waivers and documents with it, or will that void the documents because it’s not actually my name??

Idk I guess it feel anticlimactic and I’d like to start using my new name! I’m kinda surprised it’s not talked about as much that it’s such a slow process.

What was everyone’s experience with this transitional zone? How do I make the name change feel real while it’s not yet actually real anywhere legally???