Changing your name upon marriage
It has long been traditional in the United Kingdom for women to change their surnames to that of their husbands when they marry.
To change or not to change
Whilst most women take their husband’s surname this is neither a legal requirement or the only option.
A selection of alternative options for changing your name upon marriage are:
Keeping your maiden name
This option is becoming more and more common with women who have built up a good reputation at work and do not wish to lose their ‘brand’ by changing their surname.
Changing your maiden name to a middle name
This involves changing your surname to that of your husbands but adding your maiden name as a middle name. Whilst a relatively unknown alternative to giving up your maiden name altogether this option is becoming increasingly common. If you wish to take this option you will require a Deed Poll.
Double barrelling your surnames
A common choice for those women who do not wish to give up their maiden name. It is very easy for couples to double barrel their surnames by signing a Deed Poll.
Meshing your surnames to create a new name
A relatively new idea but one which is on the increase. An example of this would be a couple with the surnames PARKINSON and BAKER meshing them together to create the new surname PARKER. If you wish to change your surname through meshing you will require a Deed Poll.
Having your husband take your surname
Whilst not a commonly chosen option this is one way for a women to keep her name but still ensure that husband and wife both share a surname.
How to change your name by Deed Poll
If you are looking to do something other than take your husband’s name upon marriage you will invariably require a Deed Poll.
A Deed Poll is simply a legal document that you sign in the presence of a witness to show that you are changing your name.
It is a very straight forward process and you can apply for the document online before or after your wedding. To apply online or find out more information visit DeedPoll.com.
