Using a last name that’s not legal anymore to get married.
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Using a last name that’s not legal anymore to get married.
My da8got married in Delta,CO this week. She
presented her drivers license at the courthouse
at the time of marriage. My question is…the
last name on her driver’s license isnt her
legal last name anymore. My hu, her step dad
legally adopted her a few months ago in Utah.
Her birth certificate and last name was legally
changed. She hasnt gotten around to changing
her drivers license or SS card yet. She
presented her drivers license as well as filed
out the marriage license application, and
signing her marriage certificate, using her old
last name. The last name that IS NOT HER LEGAL
last name anymore. Is her marriage still valid
since it contains a last name that is no longer
legally her last name?
Asked on January 17, 2019 under Family Law, Colorado
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Yes, her marriage is valid. The law does not invalidate legal relationships (like marriages) due to minor disrepancies or errors that do not affect the fundamental nature of the relationship. Since there is no doubt but that she got married voluntarily, printing the wrong name on the certficate doesn't invalidate the marriage. It would be good to change her various documents so they do reflect her current legal name--that will avoid confusion, delay and headache later, if anyone seeing the name discrepancy questions things and forces her to provide further proof of identity.
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