How long after a legal name change is your old surname still legally valid?

I changed my surname back on 10/26/07 and the government still isn't registering the change. All documents they send me, from their many various branches, still reflect my old surname. I'm getting worried that I'm doing something illegal by responding to their documents with my old name just to match their records to prevent delay. They're the ones I had to go through to make the change official to begin with! Any advice?How long after a legal name change is your old surname still legally valid?
It is largely (almost entirely actually) your responsibility to go to all government agencies and have your details updated, so yes, in some ways you are right to be a little worried.



A name change does not propagate throughout government - most are not actually linked together for privacy and legal reasons, so you do need to update your details.



It's fairly simple though - just take your paperwork in and have them key the changes needed.How long after a legal name change is your old surname still legally valid?
I don't think it's illegal. In the end, your social security number would show both names. I got married a year and a half ago and just recently changed my name on my health insurance. I don't think there is a time limitation, but I would just try to change everything for consistency's sake!
If you changed your name LEGALLY then ALL bodies have to comply. STOP responding in your old name, write them a letter with a copy of the legal document (Deed poll etc) and they will HAVE to comply.
If you had your SS Card changed, then you shouldn't be having this problem. Contact your SS Office and verify the name change. Also make sure your employer has changed your name on all you paperwork...



It does take a little while though. I had to change my name on EVERYTHING...Magazines, bills, license,....Everything...
Whenever you get correspondence from the Gov't., any correspondence, which is addressed to your old name, send

the form back, with your name boldly changed on it, and include a photocopy of your legal name change judgement.

It took me almost 5 years for Social Security to stop sending me stupid demands for proof that I paid my social security taxes. Most of the people who work in these government offices are not from the top 10% of the brain trust.
Download some name-change notices from http://www.namethatbride.com and send those in. The companies will update their records accordingly. Good luck!