Should You Change Your Name After Marriage?

Change Your Name After Marriage? Not Everyone Does!

After getting married, most brides are excited to take on their spouse’s surname. After all, their spouse’s name is a sign that they are the one for them, and now it’s time to officially make that happen. In addition, the new wife taking the new husband’s surname is a tradition going back many centuries.

It’s tradition to change your name after marriage if you are a wife.

However, there are reasons why a new bride might want to keep her name after marriage.

In addition, your name is essentially an identity and it becomes more challenging when you want to keep your new spouse happy while also keeping your parent and/ or family proud of you.

Before making the decision to change your name after marriage, consider the following:

Are you a celebrity who already has name recognition?

Are you a professional (doctor, lawyer) who already has an established practice where a name change would be difficult at the very least?

If either of the above is true, then an argument can be made to keep your maiden name.

Is this something worth doing?

If you want to change your name after marriage but aren’t sure if it’s the right thing to do, this expert take on the pros and cons of such a decision will help you decide for yourself.

Should you change your name after marriage or take your spouse’s name?

This decision is so important because you are essentially making a statement about yourself, and you are upholding tradition. If you take your spouse’s last name, you are making a statement about the person your spouse is, and possibly losing some of your identity in the process. You’ll also be observing a very long tradition of the bride taking her husband’s surname to complete the marriage ceremony.

If, on the other hand, you choose to keep your name, you are essentially saying that you are an individual and are not depending upon your spouse to supply an identity.

There could be a practical reason for the bride keeping her maiden name – her name is already well-known as a professional with a business (a doctor, a Realtor, or similar) or a personality (TV or movie star, etc.)

In these cases, changing a maiden name could prove disastrous to the business identity of the wife.

Changing your name will allow you to become part of the bigger picture and not be stuck in the small confines of your identity as a married couple.

Discuss Your Options.

If you decide to take your spouse’s name, be sure to discuss this decision with him first. If, on the other hand, your new wife does not agree to this change, you should seriously consider whether or not it’s the right decision for you. After all, you have to consider how this change will impact your family and friends.

Are there any legal issues with changing your name?

Before making the decision to change your name after marriage, its important to understand the legal ramifications of such a decision. In general, you can change your name with the support of your spouse, parents, and/or the court.

There are, however, some legal issues that could prevent you from changing your name.

If, for example, you are under 18 years old and changing your name would be illegal, it may be difficult for you to change your name. Similarly, if your name is a federal or state law name, you cannot change your name without specific permission from the government. If you change your name, you may be committing a crime.

The pros of changing your name after marriage.

One of the biggest benefits of changing your name after marriage is that it allows you to be a part of your partner’s family. As you will be taking on the last name of your spouse, you will have access to their family history and connections.

Another benefit of changing your name after marriage is that it will make it easier for you to further your career as an individual.

With your new name, you will be able to pursue opportunities that would have been difficult with your last name.

The benefits of changing your name after marriage.

One of the most important benefits of changing your name after marriage is that it allows you to be a part of the bigger picture. With your new name, you will be able to join your spouse in their family and contribute to their heritage. Furthermore, you will be able to better your career as an individual with your new name.

A final benefit of changing your name after marriage is that it allows you to take on your partner’s family name. With this, you will be able to join your spouse’s family and contribute to their legacy.

Final words concerning the option to change your name after marriage.

Before deciding to change your name after marriage, its important to consider the following: Is it worth doing? If you decide to change your name after marriage, know that it can be difficult and you may have to deal with challenges.

Be sure to talk to your partner about this decision, and if they agree, know that it’s possible.

Another thing to remember is that this decision impacts not only you but your entire family. It’s important to consider what your family and friends will think of this change, and whether or not they will support you.

The last thing to remember is that this change can create a new sense of identity. If you want to change your name after marriage, know that it’s possible and that it can be a positive change for you.

Mary Daugherty is a Colorado Springs family attorney who specializes in low-cost name changes.