Question re: depositing wedding checks

Hi Girls;

I'm an old LIF poster that took a break; and recently got married.

DH & I (almost typed FH LOL!) received some checks that had BOTH our names on the check under his last name. THe thing is i haven't changed my name yet; and wasn't still sure what i was going to do about it. Figured I'd wait a little while to get more comfortable with the idea.

We went to the bank to deposit the checks; but they can't deposit the checks that have my first name and his last name. What did other people do that had similar situations??

I feel awkward going to people and saying "oh do you mind giving me another check with just my name etc" But i don't want to hold on to someones check for 3 months either! while we figure the name situation out.

What did everyone else do?? Are there any banks that will let us open an account and deposit the checks if we show our marriage license?

thanks

Message edited 4/25/2011 10:17:56 AM.

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Our joint account was opened in his name and my maiden name and as long as both of us signed the checks (I signed it as Rachel W..... K..... even though I hadn't even decided if I was definitely changing my name yet), it was fine. Do you have a joint account already? If so, I'm sure if you sign the checks with both your maiden and married name (if you choose to change it) it will be fine. To be sure, just ask a bank teller.

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

DH deposited all of our checks - he did it through the ATM and had no problems

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

All checks made out to me with my new married name I signed "First Name Maiden Last Name" No problems there!

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

thanks-

not sure why the bank was giving us a hard time Saturday?

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Just sign the checks using whatever names are written on the check. Deposit in an ATM. Done.

If the checks are written out to Mr. And Mrs. John Smith and there are signatures for John smith and Betty smith on the back of the check, the bank legally has to accept this deposit per the UCC laws.

If a teller tells you otherwise, ask for the branch manager and ask them of they even know what UCC stands for. If they don't, ask for the regional manager.

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

I had the same problem. Do not use the ATM, just go I to the bank and sign the checks as follows

1. If the check is made out to "Mr and Mrs, (hubby's last name) then your husband signs the check, and you sign underneath him as follows "(first name) (maiden last name) a/k/a (first name) (husbands last name)" (aka=also known as).

2. If check is made out to your hubby and your complete maiden name, then your hubby signs the back and you sign your maiden name underneath.

The bank will also accept the checks if you bring a copy of your marriage certificate (if they really give you a problem).

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Our bank instructed me to sign 2 times, once with maiden name, once with married name.

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Sign those checks twice (married name and maiden name). So there will be three signatures on the back of that check:

DH's Name
Your Married Name
Your Maiden Name

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Re: Question re: depositing wedding checks

Thanks for all the suggestions!!

We went to BOFA; and they just told me to sign the back of the checks with my married name-brought a copy of the certificate with us.