[OR] How can I correct my name on a marriage application if I used my stepfather’s last name without a legal name change?

OR Family Law

Liz

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Let's start by focusing on what you can do to correct the marriage application. You could contact the county office to request an amendment form. You could then explain the discrepancy between your birth name and the name you used. (OR Rev Stat § 432.235(1))
If the Department of Health won't amend, you would then need a court order. It would essentially be requesting the court issue a formal, retroactive name change. The court order is just a last resort, essentially. (OR Rev Stat § 432.245(8))
You could also go a different way—petition the court to amend the marriage license, so you don't have to take that name back even on documentation. (OR Rev Stat § 33.410)

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My legal maiden name was not used on my Oregon application for marriage.

Instead, since I was 6 years old, my stepfather's last name was used. He did not adopt me. Now, I need to prove that the two persons with those names are both me. I would prefer to have the marriage application corrected, if possible. All I have is some school report cards in the name of Whiteman.

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how important it is to have your legal name accurately reflected in official documents. Can you confirm if you have any additional documentation that links both names, such as identification or other legal papers?

No, I was 6 years old when my mother started using my stepfather's last name on my school records.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already attempted to contact the Oregon marriage office regarding the correction of your marriage application?

No, I was 6 years old when my mother started using my stepfather's last name on my school records. I don't know how to go about that. I can't even get a copy of my marriage application because I can't prove to them who I am now.

Liz

Hi there! My name is Liz, and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade. I am here to assist with your legal concerns. So I can best help, did you provide documents of the marriage between your stepfather and mother?

I don't have those documents. She married and divorced him 3 times. I don't even know where they were married. All I have are a few school report cards that she signed with her name, using my father's last name, and the records show my name as [ _____ STEPFATHER'S LAST NAME].

Liz

Is your mother no longer living?

No, she has been dead a long time. I'm 79 years old. I don't understand why you don't have to produce your birth certificate or legal document with your legal name when you apply. That would have nipped the whole problem in the bud.

Liz

They usually require ID, but it also depends on when you married. In the 60s, things were much more lax.

Tell me about it. LOL. So, I go on the court website or the Oregon Health site. That's where I tried to get a copy of the marriage application, but they refused because of my name difference.

Liz

Do you now use a married name?

Yes, I have been divorced from my first husband and remarried. When I applied for a marriage license to my present husband, they had 2 lines—one for my then current name and the second for my legal birth name. Simple.

I'm trying to get residence in France, which is the reason I need to deal with this cesspool of worms. Changing the original marriage application would be the simplest. Thanks, Mom!

Liz

Let's start by focusing on what you can do to correct the marriage application. You could contact the county office to request an amendment form. You could then explain the discrepancy between your birth name and the name you used. (OR Rev Stat § 432.235(1))
If the Department of Health won't amend, you would then need a court order. It would essentially be requesting the court issue a formal, retroactive name change. The court order is just a last resort, essentially. (OR Rev Stat § 432.245(8))
You could also go a different way—petition the court to amend the marriage license, so you don't have to take that name back even on documentation. (OR Rev Stat § 33.410)

So, if I need to request a court retroactive name change, to which name?

Liz

You would be essentially changing your birth name to your stepfather's last name.

I was hoping that wasn't the answer. I hated that man. Okay, thank you for your advice. I'll attempt the marriage license change first and hope it doesn't have to go further. I'll take the simplest route first, contact Oregon Health Authority, and see if I can get them to change the application using my school records.

If that doesn't work, thank you again. Wish me luck. I intend to die in France. LOL. Bon journée.

Liz

You're very welcome! Good luck!

Liz

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