marriage and name change

[blueowls]

so in a heterosexual marriage, i'm not sure really how it works, but i know that the woman takes the man's name usually.

does it work the same way for a partnership or do you have to like... legally change your name if you want to take your partner's name?

Comments

[lostvirtue]

You don't have to change your name in a heterosexual marriage, it's optional. Considering you can pretty much change your name to nearly whatever you want at any time (in the US, for a fee I believe), it's optional in a relationship with anyone to change your name to theirs.

[blueowls]

ok. so in either instance, you have to legally change your last name.

[lostvirtue]

Yes.

[gingerdavid]

You don't have to change your name in a heterosexual marriage, it's optional.

Indeed. My wife kept her family name when we were married. She said she'd had her family name longer than I'd had mine. There's no arguing with logic like that :-)

[nikolche]

I only know about California, but it's actually a rather funny catch-22. About six months before the first CA marriage ruling came down there was another ruling that said that domestic partners had to be able to legally take their partner's name (or some combination thereof) when filing the paperwork because that's how it worked for married couples

[blueowls]

ah. thanks! that's what i was wondering.

[mockingbirdq]

I'm hetero, and I had to submit paperwork to legally change my name after the wedding - otherwise, I think my maiden name would have still been legal.

I would assume paperwork would have to be submitted for any legal name change of any sort...

[jaralith]

It depends on what state you're in.

You don't ever *have* to change your name. But it you want to... In Alabama, you take your marriage certificate to the SS office. If the woman changes her name, it's free and easy. If the man does, it's a pain and you have to pay for it. Same-sex partners have to go through a full legal name change.

I also had to petition the court to let me resume the use of my maiden name back after divorcing. Woooo Alabama. =P

[fabfemmeboy]

Unless you live in a state where gay marriage is recognized and therefore you can show your name change the same way you would be able to in a heterosexual marriage, you have to get your name legally changed to take your partner's name - or even to hyphenate them. Certainly for federal documents (passport, SSN, etc.) you have to do it that way. It varies by state law, but there are very few that automatically (or by simple form) recognize the changing of one's name upon domestic partnership/civil union. I know California changed its law about 18 months ago, and I think DC may do it, but that's all I can think of off-hand.

[keito_f]

The previous name of a woman who has changed her name with marriage is referred to as her maiden name. Do you happen to know if the term bachelor name is in use for the corresponding name for a man?