V8 What are Your Married Name Options?

Written by Genevieve Dennis

Easy Name Change

NOTE: Easy Name Change offers ACCN Celebrants a special rate for these packs.

See: http://www.accn.com.au/accn-member-discounts/name-change-kits
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Brides can often find it difficult to know how to go about changing their names.  There is not a lot of information available and it can be difficult to find.  Many brides will have an idea on what they would like their new name to be, but don’t always know what they need to do to make the change official.  We’ve summarized the five options available to a bride once she is married, and what official documents she will need.

1. The bride takes the grooms surname

Some people find it surprising that around 85% of women still chose to take their husband’s name with the majority dropping their maiden name altogether.  All a bride needs to do is show her marriage certificate as evidence of her new name and companies will change over her identification and account name.

2. Take a double barreled surname

While the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages may ask a bride to register her double barreled surname via an official change of name, she will find most companies are happy to change documentation and accounts with just a marriage certificate using just your full marriage certificate.  The passport office will allow a double barreled surname on presentation of a marriage certificate so it can be a good idea to update passports first then use this to change over subsequent accounts.

3. Use both your maiden name and married name

Brides who have a reputation within an industry you may decide to retain their maiden name at work while changing over personal documentation into their new name.  This is entirely legal and becoming more common.  Only a marriage certificate is required for changing any accounts or ID.

4. Take a different name entirely

An emerging trend is the surname mashup, where part of each partners name is combined into a new name.  Or a couple may decide to take a new name altogether.  Either of these options require a legal name change.  This process is handled via the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

5. Leave your name as it currently is and take no action.

– Easy Name Change can help you on any name specific questions.

For heaps of other useful name change information visit www.easynamechange.com.au