Questions about name change

jenlen Posted: Jan 21, 2008 06:36 PM

Questions about name change

At first DH wanted me to take his name...he didn't realize how much work went into getting everything switched over. And originally he didnt' really like the look of the hyphenated name. I actually like my last name and wanted to keep it or hypenate.

But now that he sees all the stuff I'll have to do to change my last name (I also have to change school records and licensing info for work) he's okay with me keeping my last name.

The problem is, when we went for the marriage license, we put down his last name as my new one. Will having different last names make things more difficult down the line in terms of buying things together (house, car, 'family stuff')?

And questions 2, if i wanted to, can I still hypenate, or is it too late?

cookiemonster Posted: Jan 21, 2008 06:51 PM

Re: Questions about name change

Hi Jen! I think technically you're supposed to have your marriage license say whatever you want your name to be but I know plenty of people who put DH's name under 'new surname' on the license and then never changed it anywhere else. I would call the town where you got your license and double check just to make sure.

I believe if you decide to hyphenate you will have to go through the name changing process at the DMV, SS, etc. but it's actually not that bad once you get started. So don't let the amount of work factor into your decision too much. HTH

jenlen Posted: Jan 21, 2008 06:59 PM

Re: Questions about name change

Posted by cookiemonster

Hi Jen! I think technically you're supposed to have your marriage license say whatever you want your name to be but I know plenty of people who put DH's name under 'new surname' on the license and then never changed it anywhere else. I would call the town where you got your license and double check just to make sure.

I believe if you decide to hyphenate you will have to go through the name changing process at the DMV, SS, etc. but it's actually not that bad once you get started. So don't let the amount of work factor into your decision too much. HTH

ok thanks!!! i didn't know if hyphenating was still an option since i didn't hyphenate on the marriage license. I might just do that then, because I'm torn between keeping my name and taking his.