changing your last name tip
lifeserve.com
To change or not to change? Many women are on the fence about this issue; when the time comes to make this decision, take your fiancé's feelings into consideration. Should you need to come to a compromise, get creative! Such negotiations are part of all healthy, happy relationships.
In today's enlightened society, you have many options other than just taking your husband's name. If you're not sure if you want to change your name, talk to your fiancé and come to a decision before you need to notify any agencies, preferably a good amount of time before the wedding. You can choose to:
Take your husband's name. This traditional option will be the least confusing to your families.
Keep your maiden name. Many women today opt to retain their maiden names because they feel that their identities are interwoven with their names. This option is the path of least resistance -- you don't have to fill out any forms.
Use both names. Many women hyphenate the last names or incorporate their maiden name into their new name.
Create a new name for both of you. To demonstrate your union, combine your name to create a new name. For example, if you are a Reynolds and he's a Drummond, you can become a Reymond.
Use your maiden name -- together. Some couples have chosen to use the bride's maiden name as their married name.
When you order a copy of your marriage license, ask for several original copies because Social Security and Department of Motor Vehicles require original copies for their records.
An official copy of your marriage certificate is mailed to you after your ceremony. You can also get certified copies from your county's clerk office. You'll need certified copies for certain organizations in order to prove that you want to change your name. You can obtain copies for a small fee.
If you don't live in the U.S., check with your local government authorities. Mostly likely you'll need to change your name on record with any or all comparable institutions on our checklist in your country.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to appear in person. Schedule a visit to the DMV at the same time you change your passport information. This will ensure you have matching identification should you need it for any other reason.
Changing your name is an important decision that is influenced by many factors. Be sure to give this issue careful consideration.
To change or not to change? Many women are on the fence about this issue; when the time comes to make this decision, take your fiancé's feelings into consideration. Should you need to come to a compromise, get creative! Such negotiations are part of all healthy, happy relationships.
In today's enlightened society, you have many options other than just taking your husband's name. If you're not sure if you want to change your name, talk to your fiancé and come to a decision before you need to notify any agencies, preferably a good amount of time before the wedding. You can choose to:
Take your husband's name. This traditional option will be the least confusing to your families.
Keep your maiden name. Many women today opt to retain their maiden names because they feel that their identities are interwoven with their names. This option is the path of least resistance -- you don't have to fill out any forms.
Use both names. Many women hyphenate the last names or incorporate their maiden name into their new name.
Create a new name for both of you. To demonstrate your union, combine your name to create a new name. For example, if you are a Reynolds and he's a Drummond, you can become a Reymond.
Use your maiden name -- together. Some couples have chosen to use the bride's maiden name as their married name.
When you order a copy of your marriage license, ask for several original copies because Social Security and Department of Motor Vehicles require original copies for their records.
An official copy of your marriage certificate is mailed to you after your ceremony. You can also get certified copies from your county's clerk office. You'll need certified copies for certain organizations in order to prove that you want to change your name. You can obtain copies for a small fee.
If you don't live in the U.S., check with your local government authorities. Mostly likely you'll need to change your name on record with any or all comparable institutions on our checklist in your country.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to appear in person. Schedule a visit to the DMV at the same time you change your passport information. This will ensure you have matching identification should you need it for any other reason.
Changing your name is an important decision that is influenced by many factors. Be sure to give this issue careful consideration.
