When two people get married, they usually change their names to represent their new union. However, some couples choose not to change their names. There are many reasons why a couple might choose not to change their names, but there are also several disadvantages to this decision. In this blog post, we will discuss the four main disadvantages of not changing your name after marriage.
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What Are The Options For A Legal Name Change After Marriage?
There are four options for legally changing your name after marriage. You can:
Keep Your Maiden Name As Your Legal Last Name:
This is the most common option chosen by women. You do not have to change your last name to your husband’s last name, and you can continue using your maiden name both professionally and personally.
One downside of this option is that you will likely have to explain to people why you kept your maiden name, especially if you have children with your husband and they have his last name. People may also assume that you are not married or that there is some problem in your marriage if you do not share the same last name.
Another downside is that it can be confusing for businesses when you have a different last name than your husband, especially if you use joint credit cards or other financial accounts.
Take Your Spouse’s Last Name As Your Legal Last Name:
This is the most traditional option and what many women still do today. It can be a nice way to show that you are part of a family unit and it can make things simpler from a practical standpoint.
One downside of this option is that you will have to go through the process of legally changing your name, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Another downside is that you will have to get used to a new last name, which can be difficult for some people.
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Hyphenate Your Two Last Names (Ex. Sarah Smith-Jones):
This option is becoming more popular as women are choosing to keep their maiden names. It can be a way to show that you are an independent woman while still being part of a family unit.
One downside of this option is that it can be difficult to hyphenate your last name on all legal documents, especially if your husband has a different last name than you.
Another downside is that people may not know how to address you, especially if your maiden name is different from your husband’s last name.
They may also have trouble pronouncing your hyphenated last name.
You may also want to consider whether you want your children to have a hyphenated last name.
Reasons Why Some Couples Choose Not To Change Their Names After Marriage:
There are a few reasons that couples choose not to change their names after marriage. The most common reason is that they simply don’t want to. They’re comfortable with the names they have and see no need to change them.
Another common reason is that the woman doesn’t want to give up her maiden name. She may have a professional reputation or accomplishments under her maiden name that she doesn’t want to lose.
Some couples feel that they’re already too established with their own separate identities to change their names. This is especially true if they’ve been married for many years.
And finally, some couples simply can’t agree on a new name! If both parties are adamant about keeping their names, it’s probably not worth the hassle to try and change them.
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The Disadvantages Of Not Changing Your Name After Marriage:
Losing Your Identity
One of the main disadvantages of not changing your name is that you can lose your identity. If you have a unique name, or a family name that is not common, it can be hard to keep that name if you don’t change it after marriage. You might find yourself feeling like you’re not part of your husband’s family, or like you don’t fit in with his friends.
Another way you can lose your identity is if you have a career under your maiden name. If you’re known professionally by your maiden name, it can be difficult to change it after marriage. You might have to start all over again building up your reputation and credentials.
Not Changing Your Name Can Be Confusing
If you don’t change your name after marriage, it can be confusing for everyone involved. Your husband will have one name, and you will have another. This can cause problems when booking travel or making reservations.
It can also be confusing for your children if you have any. They will have one last name, and you will have another. This can be especially confusing if your husband has a different last name than you do.
It Can Be Difficult To Change Your Name Later On
If you decide later on down the road that you want to change your name, it can be difficult to do so. You will likely have to go through a legal process to change your name on your driver’s license, passport, and other official documents.
You will also need to notify your employer and update your professional credentials. This can be time-consuming and expensive.
You Might Not Be Taken Seriously
If you don’t change your name after marriage, you might not be taken seriously. People might not believe that you are married, or they might think that you are not committed to your relationship.
This can be especially true if you have a different last name than your husband. People might also think that you are trying to keep your maiden name for professional reasons.
Your Husband Might Feel Left Out
If you don’t change your name after marriage, your husband might feel left out. He might feel like you are not fully committed to the relationship, or like you are not taking his last name as your own. This can be a source of tension in your relationship.
These are just a few of the disadvantages of not changing your name after marriage. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of changing your name before making a decision. If you do decide to change your name, be sure to notify all the important people in your life, so everyone knows what to call you.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are a few disadvantages of not changing your name after marriage. You’ll need to decide if the pros outweigh the cons in your situation. If you do decide to change your name, be sure to let everyone know so they can start calling you by your new name.
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