5 Things To Know About Hyphenating Last Name After Marriage

Getting married is one of the most exciting moments in life. However, it also comes with a lot of important decisions that you have to make within a short span. While the shape of the cake, your wedding theme, bridal colors are all important issues, there’s one more critical decision you have to make. Name change after marriage is one of the most crucial decisions for a couple. 

Traditionally, the bride would automatically take the spouse’s last name to reflect their change of status. However, there are situations where this is not the most viable option. In this case, you have to find a more innovative option and hyphenating last name after marriage is a top choice. 

This guide explores key issues around hyphenating last names after marriage to help you make an informed choice.  

1. How Hyphenation of Last Names Works

The Fourteenth Amendment allows anyone to change their name for valid legal reasons. You can change your name to any other as long as it is not for fraudulent reasons. In situations where a woman doesn’t want to drop their maiden name, hyphenation becomes a creative legal solution for a name change after marriage. 

A hyphenated last name after marriage combines the last names of two spouses to create one unique but familiar name. It is also called a double-barreled surname or double surname. In the case of Sarah Jones, marrying Adam Smith, the woman can use hyphenation to get Sarah Jones-Smith.

2. It Is A Flexible Name Change Option

You can play around with the order of names to find the perfect fit when hyphenating. In many cases, the maiden name comes first and the spouse’s name comes after the hyphen, e.g. Sue Kim marries Allan Stone to become Sue Kim-Stone.

3. Pros Of Hyphenating Last Names After Marriage

Most couples have no problem when thinking of a name change after marriage. The wife simply takes the last name of the spouse after marriage. However, there are cases where hyphenating the last name is a better way out. Take a look:

1. Honoring the family legacy: If you are the last in line in your family, the family expects you to carry their name. Hyphenating your name allows you to honor the family legacy. 
2. Professional reasons: If you have established your career using your maiden name, it is disruptive and disadvantageous to drop it. Hyphenation is an innovative way out of the situation.
3. Maintaining your identity: If you love that last name and you don’t want to lose it, you should hyphenate name after marriage.
4. Best of both worlds: Every time you use your name, it reminds you of both your families which is not possible with most other name changes after marriage.

4. The Cons Of Hyphenating Last Name After Marriage 

There are some drawbacks with hyphenating your last name after marriage. Take a look:

1. Spelling your name becomes tricky especially over the phone. 
2. It’s confusing to most people and you’ll have to explain it over and over again. 
3. Different last name with your spouse unless they also choose to change their last name. 
4. Different names with your kids 
5. Difficulties when filling forms  and documents online because of the hyphen.

5. The Legal Name Change Process 

If you have decided to hyphenate your last name, there’s a legal process to go through and it starts when you apply for a marriage license. It is important to inquire from your county clerk if a hyphenated last name is legal in your state. 

Include the post-marriage hyphenated name in the license application and wait for the marriage certificate after your wedding. Pay for several certified copies of your marriage certificate as these will come in handy in the name change process. 

After the name change, you need to apply for a new social security card at your local Social Security office. Attach a certified copy of your marriage certificate and other identification documents. 

Secondly, visit your local DMV office for a new driver’s license. You need the new social security card/application slip, your old driver’s license and other identification documents. 

You will also need to apply for a new passport to reflect your name change. It should be done after your honeymoon to avoid any disruptions during your trip.

Wrapping Up

Worried about losing your last name after marriage? Hyphenating last name after marriage is a creative ad legal way for you to honor both families, retain your professional identity and mark the important milestone that is marriage. Despite the few drawbacks, it remains a popular modern name change option after marriage.