NC S476

Expands name change options for widows and widowers beyond resuming a pre-marriage surname to include hyphenating their pre-marriage surname with their deceased spouse's surname

Allows widowed persons to change their name to: (i) pre-marriage surname, (ii) pre-marriage surname hyphenated with last spouse's surname, or (iii) surname of a previously deceased or divorced spouse

Requires applications to include the full name of the last spouse, a copy of the spouse's death certificate, and the applicant's signature

Adds new requirement that if seeking the surname of a living previously divorced spouse, the applicant must include an affidavit with that ex-spouse's consent

Effective immediately upon becoming law