I am unsure if I want to change my last name when I get Married? Is there anything I should consider

Hi Kate,

There's no need to change your name to your husband's name, although, it may cause issues later on if you decide to have children, as has been pointed out.

Many married women I know professionally have changed their surname to that of their husband's, and at work they have chosen to remain known by their maiden name, i.e. their email is their maiden name and remains as such, even though out of work, they are known by their married name and strongly identify with their husband and family.

Keeping your maiden name professionally, shows a sense of independence and identity, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Ashley Truscott CMC

Hello Kate,

Isn't it wonderful that women today even  have this choice !  Not long ago, you were considered really strange if you did not take your husbands name. I know exactly how you feel, as I had very strong opinions about this myself.  When, men question me about this - my answer is - "how would you feel about changing your name?"

However, if you plan on having a family this is a major issue. What name do your children use?  You have a few options here.

Just go with the flow and take your husbands name.  A name does not stop you from keeping your heritage or independence.

Stay with you maiden name.  Actually, you are always your maiden name by law. ( I think this is a fact which not many people realise).

If you keep your name, then you and hubby will have to decide on your children's names.

You can both change your name by Depol to a completely different or hyphenated name.  This will cost is about $800 per person. 

Many women are facing this decision today and I personally have had many couples debating or asking about this.

Good luck with whatever you decide I'm sure in will be the right decision for you both.

Jan 

there is no requirement to change your name and many people dont. the only reason might be for the sake of children and identifying with you.

This is very much a personal choice. If you have a family down the track different last names can cause complications particularly as the children go to school. The decision is an important one and both of you have to be happy with whatever choice you make.

Hi Kate. It is totally up to you. You can retain your surname or hypenate both your surname and your husband's surname.You can take your husband's name and still be known as your maiden name. If you take your husbands name you will have to change your name on all your documents - bank account, drivers licence and so on and so on. You use the official Marriage Certificate issued by the births deaths and Marriages. Another thing to think about is what name your children will have.

Hi Kate,

It's not a legal requirement to change your name, it's a personal choice. You can however, go for a double-barrel name (my sister in law did that) so you would be Kate (maiden surname)-(husband's surname). You will still have to apply for the official Marriage Certificate which has been registered with registrar of BDM to be able to make the change, as others have pointed out. If you are considering having children, you may find that having part of your surname the same as theirs will make life easier.

Whatever you choose to do, there is no wrong or right way, so make the best choice for yourself and your future family.

I hope this info will help you.

Kind regards, Joan

There is no legal requirement for you to change your name as this tradition is only a common usage practice. The major things to consider are a professional person who is known by your maiden name - name change may impact on your business notability; a decision may need to be made regarding children's names whether that will be hyphenated or one or the other surname will be used.

Hi Kate, you are not alone in this situation. If you wish you can 'socially' call yourself Mrs. but still retain your own name for all official/legal purposes. This means all bank accounts, passport, taxation details etc.etc. must be retained in your current name until you decide to change your name officially to your husband's name. The main consideration these days is when you have children. What name will they take?

They are all good answers. Also, some people (brides) change their name on the "home front" and the hubby and wife and then any children all have the same surnames - but professionally - the bride sometimes retains her maiden name in the workplace. Rgds - Craig Moran (Celebrant)

Hi Kate

The answer is just how you feel about it. Don't worry about the law or what anyone else says. If you like the notion of taking your husbands name, just do it. Has your groom thought about taking your name?

cheers

Blair