KWR : Writing Checks After Name Change

You can sign with your new name. Your signature is yours as long as you do the same thing every time. Hell, you're allowed to sign "Mickey Mouse" as long as that's what you do every time!

Perfect! Thank you for the clarification.

I ordered new checks, but in the interim, I signed First Maiden NewLast just in case. Or First MaidenInitial NewLast if I was lazy.

Sign with your new name!!!

9/10 times the signature is only questioned if you try and dispute charges or something similar. I had an old boss that sent checks out with no signature (by accident) and the only place that didn't immediately cash the check was the local water board.

If it makes you feel any better, you can mark your last name out on the check and write in your new last name. I have an aunt that has changed last names several times and she just marks out the last name on the check, writes in the new one and then signs appropriately

I work at a bank, and if for some reason someone questions your signature, just explain to them that you are recently married and it shouldn't be a problem. I would personally sign Firstname Maiden Newlastname to take care of some of the confusion (but really there shouldn't be any)

I also work a at a bank and agree with Laura Beth. Sign it however you signed your new signature card at the bank.

I've worked at Credit Unions for over 25 years, and about 10 years in Banking before that. These days, almost no one looks at the check anyway. You can sign your personal checks any way you want. You should endorse your checks "as they are made out" on the front of the check. Still, your auntie isn't going to question it if you endorsed her check "not as drawn" - usually only insurance and government issued checks are big sticklers for that.

Don't worry about running out and getting new checks. I'm still using checks from a box I ordered over 15 years ago. I've moved twice since then!