Does my name change legally regardless of whether or not I want it to?

Question

I am due to get married at the end of this year but my fiance's ex-wife is still using his surname. They have a daughter together who also has his surname. I understand why his ex still has his surname but it has made me extremely reluctant to take it myself. I understand that I can not change my name on my passport, driving license, bank etc so they will still have my maiden name but will I still LEGALLY have his surname instead of my maiden name as a result of marriage anyway? If so, what will this affect?!

Answer 1

See.. its always upto U and depends solely on ur decision..

Take for e.g women who are working in different institutions long before since they got married.

It doesn't make a difference whether u change ur surname or not.

Answer 2

No, legally you will have the right to use either your maiden name or married name. Some people use both, i.e. one name on their chequebook and different one on their passport.
You won't legally have his surname unless you go around changing your name to his. A marriage certificate can be used in lieu of a deed poll when changing names, but it isn't obligatory.

Answer 3

Im divorced and I asked my solicitor about when could i revert to my maiden name. He said it isnt law to use your husband's name it is just really a tradition. Therefore, there is not legal reason to use or not use his name. Use your maiden name if you feel more comfortable but when it comes to kids at school it mite be easier to use your husband surname just on school correspondence? I have a different surname to my kids but it doesnt cause a problem. Hope that helps. Good Luck

Answer 4

When you're married you can LEGALLY opt to use your maiden name or your husband's surname. If your fiance's previous marriage is already annulled, his ex-wife can no longer use his surname but their daughter can still use it. Yes you can change your name in your passport (if your choose to use your husband's name). you just have to apply for "renewal" (even if your passport isn't due to expire yet) to reflect your husband's surname..you only have to attach you marriage contract in your application for renewal.

Answer 5

You do not have his surname just as a result of marrying him (well, depending on what country you are from). In most countries taking your husband's last name is OPTIONAL. If you feel uncomfortable doing this - then don't!!! You really don't have to.

Answer 6

You can be married and continue to keep your maiden name. Just be sure your hubby is okay with it. Some people will question it and object, but it's your decision. Do what works for you!

Answer 7

You have to go and change all your own legal documents to show your married name, it does not automatically happen...
so if you do NOT want to take his last name, simply do not change all your paperwork!! There is no law that MAKES you change your name!!

Answer 8

has your husband divorce the ex-wife, if yes then the ex will have to change her name. it not compulsory change your name when you marry, it all depends on you but it is nice to posses your husbands name. there are alot of women who are married and have not change their names and for the name you have on document it depends on you whether you will want to maintain it but remember for security reasons it should be uniform.

Answer 9

No, you have to change your name using your marriage cert. if you want it changed. Simply getting married in itself does not change your legal name. If you want to have the same last name, has he considered taking your name?

Answer 10

by law when you marry you have to take his last name his.ex. wife asked the courts to restore her maden name that.s law on getting married if you are a woman. in my opion?