An Essex Wedding - Mar/Apr 2017 (Issue 79)

With so much wed-min to do you may not have given much thought to what will happen to your surname after the big day. Traditionally, the bride changes hers to match her new husband, but is that right for you? We take a look at your options… CHECKLIST FOR CHANGING YOUR NAME – WHO NEEDS TO KNOW? ♥ The passport office ♥ The DVLA (driving licence and vehicle registration) ♥ HM Revenue & Customs ♥ Government organisations (e.g. child benefit) ♥ Your local authority (council tax, electoral register) ♥ Your bank or building society ♥ Loan companies, credit card companies and mortgage provider ♥ Your employer ♥ Phone and broadband suppliers ♥ Doctor and dentist ♥ Utility companies (gas, water and electricity providers) ♥ Insurance companies (car, home, travel and pet) ♥ Store cards, online accounts, magazine subscriptions Other useful contacts | deedpoll.org.uk | gov.uk/changing-passport-information hat’s in a name? DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY NAME? According to a recentYouGov UK poll, 59 per cent of women would still like to take their partner’s surname after they tie the knot, although this is starting to change. It’s an emotional decision that risks feeling the loss of something you’ve grown up with, or the potential offence caused to your partner if you decide not to change it. Some people are concerned about a loss of identity; perhaps you’ve built an excellent reputation at work associated with your surname, or maybe you’re an only child with a strong desire to continue the family name. For same-sex couples there’s no convention, which can make the decision even harder.Whatever your situation, there are plenty of options out there so communicate openly with your partner and work out what suits you best. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? Keep your maiden name, but change your title. You don’t require a deed poll to change your title; in fact, Mrs, Ms, Miss etc. are not included on UK passports so you can just begin to use your chosen title. Take your partner’s name. Provided your marriage certificate shows both your maiden name and your partner’s name, this is sufficient evidence of a name change. Just follow our checklist to notify the correct organisations. Take your partner’s name, but use your maiden name professionally. It is worth writing to your employer to confirm your intentions as legal documents and payroll will need to be updated to match the name used at your bank. Take your partner’s surname, but keep your maiden name as a middle name. This is becoming an increasingly popular option as it means you can keep links to your family name. For this, you will need to change your name by deed poll. Double-barrel your maiden name and your partner’s name. If your double- barrelled name is clearly derived from your two surnames combined then your marriage certificate is sufficient evidence. Form a new surname from you and your partner’s name. Many couples decide to mesh their two names together to form a new surname, choosing something that represents the beginning of your life together.You will need to officially change your name by deed poll. WHERE DO I TURN FOR HELP? If this list looks a bit scary then you can turn to NameSwitch (nameswitch.co.uk ). For a small fee, they’ll whizz you through the whole process by supplying all the forms and letters you’ll need to alert every relevant organisation about your switch! 107 CHANGING YOUR NAME