Legal Question in Family Law in New York

How do I change my wife's last name?

My fiance� and I married 11/03/01 in the State of New York and she decided to keep her maiden name. This was recorded, of course, on our marriage licence. Since then, she has decided that she DOES want to take my last name but when she called the town hall she was told that it is not possible to make the change. I did some research online and found information on the Civil Rights Law, Article 6 (secs. 60-65) and the Domestic Relations Law (sec. 15(b)) but I'm still confused. Can't I petition the court at the county level?

Thank you for your time.


Asked on 5/20/02, 10:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jonathan J. Braverman Jonathan J. Braverman, Attorney & Mediator

Re: How do I change my wife's last name?

Your wife may petition the court for a change in her name. She would then have to be consisent in her driver's license, voter registration, etc.

If you wish to discuss this with me privately, please call to schedule a consultation.

For more information, please visit my web site.

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Answered on 5/20/02, 7:59 pm


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