From a Social Security Regional Council memorandum posted in Social Security's Program Operations Manual Series (POMS):
You asked us to determine whether an individual who enters into a civil union in the State of New Jersey may legally change his or her name based solely upon the civil union event or whether a court order is required to effectuate the proposed name change. Recently enacted New Jersey legislation legalizing civil unions specifically allows for the right to change surnames based upon a civil union event without a court order. Accordingly, an individual who enters a civil union in the State of New Jersey may legally change his or her name without a court order.
2 comments:
PR 02707.006 Is the POMS ref to the "Name Change Based on California Domestic Partnership" which was issued around the same time.
Allowing someone to change their name on their SSN card is one thing. Paying benefits based on relationships established in these types of marriages and civil unions is another. Has SSA started paying spousal benefits in these situations?
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