Should You Consider taking Your Partner’s Last Name before getting married?

If your wedding is around the corner, then you’ve already thought about what will happen to your name. “Should I change my name after marriage?” is a common question among many brides.

Original Source: https://hitchswitcusa.tumblr.com/post/614015353143672832/should-you-consider-taking-your-partners-last

How to decide what’s Right for You before Changing Your Last Name

Changing your name after you get married is a huge decision. Many women anticipate getting married someday, but not many think about what will happen to their name. 

The issue of name change is one that only arises when it’s time to make the big decision. Note that if you decide to change your name, it is permanent. This is not something you can try for three months to see if it’s what you want.

Of course, you can petition the U.S court system for a legal name change, but this process takes a while. Not to forget having the right to alter your name in case of a divorce. 

You need Hyphenating last name after marriage service providers; who understand that so much of your identity is attached to your name. Make sure you’re sure of the decision you arrive at when this time comes. 

When I got married, I tossed my maiden name and took my husband’s surname without giving it some thought. Now ten years down the line, I wish I had thought things through. There are so many options open to women when it comes to their names after marriage. 

Let’s look at ways to determine if the decision you’re making is the right one for you.

  • Keeping Your Maiden Name 

Well, this is the option that was never available during medieval times. However, times have changed, and women are now free to do as they please. After all, we’re finally getting around to convincing patriarchy that men are not the superior gender.

This option is ideal for career women whose professions are closely tied to their names. When you hyphen your name, you won’t have to worry about losing all the work you accomplished before tying the knot.

It’s also ideal if you’re the last member of your family carrying your name. Hyphening the family name ensures that it’s not lost forever just cause you got married. Not to say marriage is not a big deal, but you shouldn’t be made to choose between showing commitment and retaining your maiden name. 

Lastly, this is the option that means you won’t have to deal with any paperwork. Bliss!

  • Hyphenating your Name with your Spouse’s

This is the perfect solution to the name change dilemma. All you have to do is merge your maiden name with your spouse’s surname. Problem solved!

This option was quite popular in the 1970s as it allowed women to keep their name as well as show their commitment to the marriage. It is the perfect compromise because it’s the best of two worlds. 

The best part is your professional achievements didn’t have to be lost post-marriage.

  • Taking Two Last Names without Hyphen

This option allows you to use your maiden name and your husband’s surname interchangeably. When it comes to signing documents, you’ll need to use both names. However, when you’re introducing yourself, you can choose to use just one. 

This is the perfect illustration for “I’m married, but I’m still my own person.” After all, one shouldn’t lose themselves simply because they got hitched. 

Hitchswitch understands this; that is why their services help you go through the name change option you choose without a fuss.

  • Taking your Maiden Name as a Middle Name and your Spouse’s Last Name

Instead of losing your last name, why not use it as your middle name? This way, you can take your spouse’s last name without losing a name yourself. 

This is a popular trend today as it makes your name less complicated. This would be an excellent trade if you had a horrible middle name. 

Make sure you find out how to go about this because the procedure varies from state to state

  • Taking your Spouse’s Last Name

Well, there is not much to explain when it comes to this option. All you need to know is that the process is tedious, and it involves a lot of paperwork. To avoid the hassle, work with HitchSwitch because they’ll take care of everything on your behalf.

  •  Creating a Blended Last Name with your Spouse

If you’re a creative couple, I’m sure you can come up with a blended name for both of you to use. Even though this concept is still new, it’s genius, don’t you think?

  • Having your Spouse take Your Name

Finally, we have the option of the man taking his spouse’s last name. This is quite unpopular but totally doable. 

If your spouse doesn’t have major ties to his last name, he should not a problem taking your last name. Many states already recognize a man’s right to change his name after marriage.

  • Conclusion 

It is okay if you’re still unsure of the best name change option for you. You can consult married couples to find out more about the experiences they had, changing their name.