Now that we’re married . . . should we change our names?

Name Change Options

You’ve made it legal so now . . . should you change your name?  That’s a personal decision between you and your new spouse. The reasons for various choices range from the practical to the philosophical. Some couples like the tradition or the creation of a family name while some same-sex couples relish the opportunity to present a united front.  Other’s don’t want the hassle or want their names to reflects their belief in equality. Yet other couples choose a third option:  a whole new name for both!

No Change

The easiest option is no name change.  If neither partner wants to change their names, then they simply do nothing!  There is no legal requirement to change your name. 

One Change

If one partner wants to change their last name to the other partner’s last name, then they have to wait until they get their marriage license & take it to the Social Security Office to get an updated Social Security Card.  Then they update their Driver’s License.  Once they have the new SS Card & new DL, they can begin to change everything else (bank, credit cards, bills, etc).  Here is more on Texas Name Change Law. By the way, don’t think this is just for brides in a heterosexual union.  I’ve had same-sex couples where one partner changes their name. I’ve also had a heterosexual couple where the groom wanted to change his name to the bride’s!

Both Change

That said, I have some couples who have BOTH opted to change their last name to a NEW last name for both of them!  I had one couple who chose a new last name that was literally new, in French—Nouveau.  Yet another couple decided to combine their last names: Rosenthal + Cline = Rosencline! Read their whole story in Vogue! Together we worked to create a special moment at the end of the ceremony where they tied their new name together in this banner (see right).

I had yet another couple who took an element from each of their last names & put it together for a whole new name:  I helped them create a scrabble ceremony to celebrate their new name!

This is a lot more complicated and might need to involve the help of a lawyer as one or both partners will have to actually petition for a name change.  If you are going this route, plan on doing some research!