Should i change my maiden name

If so, keeping your professional identity separate from your married identity may be the way to go. You might change your name legally, but continue to use your given name professionally. Make your surname your middle name. Hyphenate both names. This is a common solution to the name change issue. Combine your names. This a creative and interesting approach that adds a new level of unity to your relationship. Create a last name. Make up a last name that works for both of you.

Base it on shared interests, a mix of the letters in your current surnames, or take the name of an influential ancestor from long ago. Change your name to your match your spouse. This is the most traditional option. However, some adventurous grooms take the last names of their wives. Plus, same-sex couples are making their own traditions. The name you choose to keep or take has an effect on your family, including any future children that you may have. What works for you as a couple may not work as well for your family.

Though it might seem cute and clever to you, it may cause your kids embarrassment or your family to feel disrespected. If you keep your last name, whose name will you give to your children? If you hyphenate, they may not keep it that way when they decide to get married or have children. The same goes for any other creations or combinations of surnames you take. On the other hand, having a different last name from your children can make travel, hospital visits, and school pick-ups more of a hassle than if you had the same surname.

If you end up getting a divorce or separation, think about if you would keep the name that you chose when you got married. Remember that even though you may no longer want to keep it, any children that you have might.

If your spouse objects to the change, you may both need to testify before a judge makes a decision. A legal name change can cost hundreds of dollars, but the price varies depending on where you live and the type of name change. For my second husband it was important to him that we had the same name, so he changed his. I'm not chattel. Some family and friends posted me letters addressed to Mrs [Husband's Last Name] and referred to me as such.

I politely corrected them. Zero drama. So we were going to choose a new surname together but one that was in the family to signify the unity but never really got it sorted so we still have our own surnames. His Name. When my marriage broke down I was definitely glad I'd made this decision! Interestingly though I am undecided whether I would change my name if I got remarried.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Meghan on the money saving trick she still uses. Paris Hilton and Carter Reum are married! Adele opens up to Rolling Stone magazine. When someone asked me what my name was, I would hesitate, trying to remember how they knew me.

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