| This article will discuss the basics of name change | | | | with respect to the type of change they'll make. In |
| after marriage, and discuss some of the various | | | | general, only women change their surnames, and do |
| options that women (and sometimes men) take | | | | one of the following four things: |
| when it comes to their names after marriage. I won't | | | | Surname Change Only: Many women will simply |
| discuss which is better, but I will discuss the basic | | | | change their surname to that of their husbands, but |
| practicalities and the different options. | | | | keep their original middle name. So, for example, Lisa |
| Changing One's Name (Legality) | | | | Mary Edwards would become Lisa Mary Smith. |
| How to change one's name varies from state to | | | | Hyphenated Middle Name: Another option is to |
| state, so you should ask at your local city hall what | | | | hyphenate surnames, usually with the maiden name |
| the actual legalities are. However, in general, the | | | | first, then the husband's name. This is popular among |
| following applies: | | | | professional women (especially those who have |
| 1. In most states, one changes one's name by simply | | | | published), so they can maintain continuity in name |
| writing one's name into the marriage certificate. In | | | | recognition. So, for example, Lisa Mary Edwards |
| doing so, the marriage certificate becomes a part of | | | | would become Lisa Mary Edwards-Smith. |
| one's identification. For example, you bring the | | | | Surname and Middle Name Change: This was the |
| marriage certificate with your birth certificate when | | | | more traditional practice in the first half of the |
| getting a new passport or opening a new bank | | | | Twentieth Century, and is gaining more popularity |
| account. | | | | again. In this tradition, the woman's maiden name |
| 2. In some states, you need to actually register your | | | | becomes her middle name, and she takes her |
| new name. Speak with your local city hall about | | | | husband's name as her new surname. Some women |
| whether this is necessary and how it is done. | | | | drop their original middle name, while others now |
| 3. Note that you may always use any name you | | | | have two middle names. So, for example, Lisa Mary |
| wish, so long as you don't try to defraud anyone. | | | | Edwards might become Lisa Edwards Smith or Lisa |
| Even if you don't legally change your name in any | | | | Mary Edwards Smith. |
| way, you may use your spouse's name in most | | | | Public vs. Private: Many women choose to continue to |
| contexts. | | | | use their maiden name in professional contexts, while |
| Different Options | | | | using their husband's name in private. |
| There are many different things that spouses can do | | | | |