Name Changes After Marriage
LegalMatch Law Library Managing Editor, Ken LaMance, Attorney at Law 
Do I Have to Take My Husband's Name After We Get Married?
A woman is not required to change her name upon marriage. However, a woman may do any of the following:
- Use her husband's last name
- Keep her own last name
- Use a hyphenated version of both last names
- Adopt a completely different name.
If I Do Want to Take My Husband's Name How Do I Make the Change?
A woman who wants to take her husband's name upon marriage should do all of the following:
- use the new name consistently
- change her name on all forms of identification, including her driver's license, passport, and social security card
- change her name on all bank account, credit cards, and other important documents
Many of these changes require you to show a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Change My Name After Marriage?
An experienced family lawyer can make sure that you have the appropriate documentation to begin changing your name on all your identification and personal records. If you are seeking to change your child's name, a family lawyer can also help you make these alterations.
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Last Modified: 12-01-2011 04:33 PM PST
