New Adventure, New Name!

Marriage is a life-altering decision and so is changing your last name after marriage. While many brides look forward to it, others face it with fear and trepidation. The decision to change your last name after marriage is completely subjective and an entirely personal choice, to be honest. There is no law that requires you to change your last name compulsorily if you are married. It is each one’s individual choice and no one can take that away from you. However, having the same last name does come with a fair share of benefits.

Your wedding day is one of the world's most exciting and life-changing days. Changing your name after marriage is a lasting reminder of your wedding day and the life you plan to build together.

One of the main reasons women choose to name change after marriage is tradition. It has been a long-held custom in Western culture that a woman will change her surname to that of her husband upon marriage. It is a long-standing practice that has been passed down for generations, where changing your surname signifies a new chapter in your life and the creation of a new family unit.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when making this crucial decision. On the one hand, changing your name can symbolize joining two people. Embracing the same surname as your spouse and children can simplify things in everyday life. It can make it simpler to register your children’s birth, secure school places, open joint bank accounts, and even make travel plans. It can also create a sense of unity and belonging within your family unit.

However, as societal norms and gender roles continue to evolve, many couples are now exploring alternative options when it comes to choosing a surname. It’s becoming increasingly common in today’s world for women to choose to keep their own surnames, hyphenate both surnames together, or for men to take their partner’s last name. If you are planning a wedding, you may be pondering whether to change your surname.

When it comes to changing your name, these three options are the most commonly agreed upon.

Taking the Husband’s Surname. This is the most common practice in Western Society, where women automatically adopt their husband’s surname upon marriage. It indicates her acceptance of his love and commitment to her.

Keeping the Maiden Name – Some women prefer maintaining their birth name even after marriage as it is what they have been identifying themselves with for the past few decades. After all, it carries the emotional value of being the surname of their parents – especially if their surname would die out after that generation.

Using Both Surnames – Some women do not want to give up on their birth name but still want to recognize being a part of their husband’s family, so decide to use both names. The husband’s surname is simply hyphenated to that of the bride to create a new surname and it is a win-win for both.

However, there are also potential obstacles when changing your last name. It can be extremely time-consuming as well as costly to revise all your personal documents, accounts, and social media profiles. Changing your name involves a significant amount of paperwork and bureaucracy. You will need to update your driver’s license, passport, Social Security details, and any other important documents that list your name. This can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, and mistakes can cause significant delays.

Ultimately, this important decision to change your surname is a personal one that should be made based on your individual circumstances, values, and preferences- you can register a name change at your local registrar's office.

Here is a list of things that will need changing:

- HMRC (this can be done via the HMRC app)

- Work / Work Pensions

- Passport

- Driving license

- DVLA

- Doctors / Dentist / Hospital

- Children's school/s (if needed)

- Mortgage / Rental agreement

- Bank / Update debit cards/credit cards

- TV License

- Internet Provider

- Gas and Electric provider

- Water / Utility bills (Council tax etc.)

- Life Insurance

- House insurance

- Car insurance

- Car tax

- Store Cards (if you have)

- Loans (if you have )

- Pet Insurance / Vets ( if required)

- Car Finance (if needed)

- Catalogues / Credit Accounts

- Re-registrar Child/Children's Birth Certificate/s (updates to your married name)

- Private Pensions

- Power of Attorney

There may be other important people or companies who may also need to be informed of your name change, but you will be the only person who will know who these are, so give it some thought.