Suitable surname
Question
I'm getting married soon and was wondering if, legally, I have to take my partner's surname.
Answer
At the moment there is no legal requirement for a woman to change her name to that of her husband when they marry. And, if the husband wishes, he can change his name to hers.
It is possible to change your name without any legal formalities at all. But if you do this it's important to remember that many organisations such as banks and utility companies may want evidence of the change of name. Suitable evidence could be any one of the following:
- A letter from a responsible person such a lawyer, doctor or minister of religion;
- A public announcement, such as taking out an advertisement in the local press;
- A Statutory Declaration - this is notice drawn up by a solicitor then signed and witnessed;
- A Deed Poll. this is a formal way of changing your name and can be a complicated process and can be more expensive than the other options.
In most cases making a Statutory Declaration is the most cost effective method of changing names.
Finally, it is worth remembering that although you are able to call yourself any name you like, it is not normally possible to change the name on your birth certificate.
For more information or assistance in obtaining the types of evidence outlined above, you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Updated: 22/01/2009
Question answered by CAB
