How should I handle this sticky situation with a wedding gift check?

Question

An elderly relative wrote us a check for our wedding made out to my first name and his first name, no last name. Should I write in our last name on the "Pay to the order" line, since that is her intent? Or would that be illegal? I'm hoping that would be okay as I'd rather not call this to her attention and ask her if she'll re-do the check.

Answer 1

I'm sure she left it blank because she was unsure of your new last name or possibly the spelling when she wrote the check.  It is perfectly fine to write in the last name.  People give others checks all the time with the payee line blank.  It's not illegal.  it's only illegal if you were to change the amount or her signature.

Answer 2

Yes I would just write it in on the check.  I've had to do that a few times and the bank has never questioned it.

Answer 3

Just dont cash it, deposit it and you can leave your last names off.

Answer 4

It is not only illegal if your intent is to commit fraud, it is illegal under any circumstances. Would you be arrested? Probably not. Would you end up being embarrassed? There's a good chance, because bank tellers are trained to spot differences in handwriting and to question such transactions. When making the deposit, the teller might very well call the account holder just to make sure everything is on the up and up anyway.

If you're really unsure of bringing it to the elderly woman's attention, why not ask a very close relative of hers how to handle it? Her son or daughter, or whoever generally helps her when she needs it. They would be able to approach her in the best way.

EDIT: Mandy, it isn't spelled "cheque" in the U.S. British (or Australian) English is often different from American English. And FYI to anyone who insists that Americans have "ruined" English: In many ways, American English has not evolved as quickly as British English. For example, putting commas and periods inside quotation marks was standard British English at one time. Now it is not, though it is still standard American English. The distinction between "which" and "that" is another example of something standard in American English that was, at one time, standard on both sides of the pond.

Answer 5

it's OK to write in the last name, just use the same color ink.

Answer 6

I would endorse the back of the check, and deposit it to my account.

Things at the bank are done so electronically these days.  Most likely, no one will notice it is just first names . . . if you do not call attention to it.

Endorse the back with your full name, and deposit it to your checking account or your savings account.

Do not alter the front of the check.

Answer 7

Yes, I think you should try to write the last name in her handwriting.

Elderly people like to have their checks cashed on time, and it could throw her through a loop to ask her to re-write it. Just use the same pen and same handwriting. It may technically be illegal, but come on!

Answer 8

It is not illegal to write in your last name.  Although to make it easier on you, I would write in your maiden name and his name since you probably have not yet completed all the necessary steps to legally have your name changed.

Answer 9

Just write it in, better not to bother her with it, she was probably just unsure.

People give blank checks all the time, so as long as the amount and signature are original, it shouldn't be illegal to add a last name.

Answer 10

Do NOT audit or change the check in any way.  The back definitely won't take your check if you do.  Instead, take it to your back, explain the situation and hopefully they will take it, especially if you two have a joint account.  Unfortunately though, you might have to call your relatives on this one, but stop by the bank first and see if they will take it as is.  

Answer 11

X marks the spot

go on and fill in the blank

congrats

Answer 12

Just endorse it on the back and deposit it.  Don't change the front.  

Answer 13

Its spelt 'cheque' :) I wouldnt change it, it will be obvious - different pen, writing etc. Then they may think that you happened to come across a cheque that has your first name on, and are making it look like yours. If you are really bothered, take the cheque to the bank, ask them their opinion and if they won't accept it, take the cheque to her and ask her to change it!

Answer 14

Go to your bank and explain the situation, they will advise you on how to cash it.

After my wedding we had checks with my maiden name, his name, both names, my new name that wasn't legal yet...etc. I deposited the easy ones, and then asked the teller about the others. She told me how to handle them, they were deposited - and we were all set.

Answer 15

Just write in the last name.

No one will ever check.  And it is only illegal if you are committing fraud.  The check was always meant for you, you are not changing the value of it.  And if it is ever questioned, she will say that yes she did give you a check in that amount.