|
What you
need to do to change or keep your name after marriage.
Changing Your
Name After Marriage
reprinted with permission by
nolo press
Q
I'm a woman who is planning
to be married soon. Do I have to take my husband's name?
A
No. When you marry, you are
free to keep your own name,
take your husband's name or
adopt a completely different
name. Your husband can even
adopt your name, if that's
what you both prefer. Give
some careful thought to what
name feels best for you. You
can save yourself
considerable time and
trouble by making sure you
are happy with your choice
of name before you change
any records.
Q
Can my husband and I both
change our names to a hyphenated version of our two
names or to a brand new name?
A
Yes. Some couples want to be
known by a hyphenated
combination of their last
names, and some make up new
names that combine elements
of each. For example, Ellen
Berman and Jack Gendler
might become Ellen and Jack
Berman-Gendler or, perhaps,
Ellen and Jack Bergen. You
can also pick a name that's
entirely different from the
names you have now, just
because you like it better.
Q
What if I do want to take my
husband's name? How do I make the change?
A
If you want to take your
husband's name, simply start
using the name as soon as
you are married. Use your
new name consistently, and
be sure to change your name
on all of your
identification, accounts and
important documents. To
change some of your
identification papers--your
Social Security card, for
example--you'll need a
certified copy of your
marriage certificate, which
you should receive within a
few weeks after the marriage
ceremony
|
Do
you have any ideas for financing your wedding?
Let Us Know! |
|
