I am a retired military veteran here in California.Would changing my name complicate and affect my retirement/disability pay?

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1. 

   William CassaraPro

   Augusta Military Law Attorney

   Contributor Level 16

   

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   Answered January 14, 2013 03:35. I don't think anyone can predict how the bureaucrats will deal with this. It shouldn't be a problem. Will it be? Hard to tell. I know that isn't the answer you are looking for, but nobody can tell you whether it will have an affect.

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2. 

   Rixon Rafter

   Fairfax Military Law Attorney

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   Answered January 14, 2013 03:49. Name, DOB,and social together form the basis for your being identified by the government you can expect some issues. Recommend you contact DFAS, VA, IRS and CA state before you start the process.

   READ THIS BEFORE CALLING OR EMAILING ME: I am licensed to practice before the state and federal courts in Virginia.... moreREAD THIS BEFORE CALLING OR EMAILING ME: I am licensed to practice before the state and federal courts in Virginia. We have not established an attorney-client relationship unless we have a signed representation agreement and you have paid me. I am providing educational instruction only--not legal advice. You should speak with an attorney to whom you have provided all the facts, before you take steps that may impact your legal rights. I am not obligated to answer subsequent emails or phone calls unless you have hired me. I wish you the best of luck with your situation. less

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3. Licensed in CA

   

   Harris Brumer

   San Diego Military Law Attorney

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   Answered January 18, 2013 09:33. It should not be too big a deal. I would recommend you contact the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) Retirement Pay Division.
   
   Defense Finance and Accounting Service
   U.S. Military Retirement Pay
   PO Box 7130
   London KY 40742-7130
   Toll free 1-800-321-1080
   
   I believe that as long as your SSN stays intact, it should not be a big issue. I would imagine that the retirement pay would continue to flow to your account.
   
   However, I would keep all legal records of the name change so that if/when you pass away, whomever you designated as your beneficiary for the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) will still be entitled to receive your pension.

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4. 

   Philip CavePro

   Alexandria Military Law Attorney

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   Answered January 14, 2013 09:09. Contact DFAS they would be better able to answer.
   
   http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary.html

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5. 

   Andrew CherkaskyPro

   Chicago Military Law Attorney

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   Answered January 14, 2013 10:42. Anecdotally, I have seen a number of people go through name changes because of marriage or divorce in both Active Duty and Retired without much difficulty.

   Andrew Cherkasky of Cherkasky Law, LLC is an Illinois attorney focused on military & criminal defense. The advice... moreAndrew Cherkasky of Cherkasky Law, LLC is an Illinois attorney focused on military & criminal defense. The advice given does not form an attorney-client relationship. The advice above is intended to educate on general legal principles and theories and should not be considered state specific advice. Please call anytime, day or night, to discuss further, 703-314-6475. less

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