Maiden Names: Tips and Advice

A recent suit was filed in California by the American Civil Liberties Union after it was discovered that men wanting to take the bride’s surname faced court approval and a fine. In California a man must file a petition, advertise a public notice, and then appear in court to get permission to take their future wife’s name. What does a woman have to do to take her husband’s surname? Just write it in on the marriage application.

The ACLU filed suit on behalf of one man who felt it was unfair that he had to pay $320 in court costs due to the fact that California has not changed an antiquated law. The ACLU claims that California needs to either remove the costs for men, thus treating men and women equally, or institute the same requirements for women wishing to take their husband’s surname.

Whether the bride, groom, or both are changing their names, there are some places that need to be notified as soon as possible as to your name change:

• Work: Names need to be changed for insurance, retirement funds, access cards, and paychecks.
• Bank: Once you have your new identification you will need to notify your bank of your name change so that any transactions using your new name will be approved.
• The IRS
• Department of Motor Vehicles: You will need to change your name on your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
• Post Office: Notify them of both your name change and any change of address.
• Utility Companies
• Credit Card Companies
• Loan agencies
• Insurance providers
• Car Loan/Leasing Company
• Physicians
• Passport
• Voter Registration
• Alumni Organizations
• Magazine Subscriptions

Besides this list your municipality may have other requirements for you in changing your name. Be sure to check with your local government to see if other items are required.