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I'm
a woman who is planning to be married soon. Do I
have to take my husband's name?
No.
When you marry, you are free to keep your own
name, take your husband's name or adopt a
completely different name. Your husband can even
adopt your name, if that's what you both prefer.
Give some careful thought to what name feels
best for you. You can save yourself considerable
time and trouble by making sure you are happy
with your choice of name before you change any
records.
Can
my husband and I both change our names to a
hyphenated version of our two names or to a
brand new name?
Yes.
Some couples want to be known by a hyphenated
combination of their last names, and some make
up new names that combine elements of each. For
example, Ellen Berman and Jack Gendler might
become Ellen and Jack Berman-Gendler or,
perhaps, Ellen and Jack Bergen. You can also
pick a name that's entirely different from the
names you have now, just because you like it
better.
What if I do want to take my husband's name?
How do I make the change?
If you want to
take your husband's name, simply start using the
name as soon as you are married. Use your new
name consistently, and be sure to change your
name on all of your identification, accounts and
important documents. To change some of your
identification papers -- your Social Security
card, for example -- you'll need a certified
copy of your marriage certificate, which you
should receive within a few weeks after the
marriage ceremony.
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