DEAR HARRIETTE: The other day, my mom called me and shared jawdropping information. Due to the current political landscape and potential issues with women having different last names from birth and marriage, my mom went downtown to get a copy of her marriage license. The clerk called her up in a frantic state and told her that the courts have no legal documentation of her marriage, which happened 18 years ago. The clerk shared with her that the officiant didn’t turn in the proper paperwork following her ceremony, making her initial license null and void after 60 days. My mom was initially in shock, but she is now taking it as a blessing, since she and my father are separated. She also doesn’t view her relationship or life any differently since both she and my father were under the assumption that they were legally married – and they acted like it, too. My grandma, on the other hand, is furious and is urging us not to tell people due to possible embarrassment or questions. I had no reaction to finding out this information and felt emotionless about it.