What to File First Once Married

We sit with so many couples every year who are stressed just looking at the never-ending list of things to get done leading up to their wedding. It's not only the design and booking decisions but the technical legal items that no one really talks about, but everyone has to do. These legal items are things that no one thinks about until it's right on top of you, we want to give the gift of sight. To see these things a little further than most couples and give you the quick tips on how to tackle them too.

When you get married and decide to change your last name, there are quite a few places where you'll need to update your information. We recommend creating a checklist so you don't overlook anything, especially accounts that you may not use every day.

Recommended order for changing your name:

Social Security: Apply for a replacement Social Security card with your new name.

Florida driver's license: Update your license or ID after your Social Security record is updated. Florida generally requires a replacement license within 30 days of a legal name change.

Passport: Update your passport if you plan to use your new name for travel. The required application depends on when your current passport was issued and your circumstances.

Banks and financial institutions: Update your accounts, debit cards and credit cards. Some institutions require your new photo ID and a certified marriage certificate.

Employer and insurance: Update payroll, tax records and benefit information.

All remaining accounts: Work through your checklist keeping a record of what you've completed.

A few helpful tips for newlywed couples:

Order several certified copies of your marriage certificate. Some institutions require an original or certified copy.

Keep your old identification until you've completed the necessary updates.

Make sure your name on airline tickets exactly matches the identification you will use for travel.

Review your tax withholding and beneficiary designations after marriage, even if you aren't changing your name.

For Florida newlyweds, the most important thing to remember is that you don't have to change your name everywhere at once. Start with your government identification and then work through the rest of the checklist as time permits.