How Do You Change A Surname After Marriage?
Women have been legally obligated to take the surname of their husbands since as early as the mid-1500s and the rein of King Henry VIII. The intent was, at least partially, to track the inheritance of real property. This legal requirement came to the United States along with the English colonists. What was law in England was law in the colonies. This did not change when the United States gained its independence. The law was in full force in some states until the 1970s. The law has been altered so that name changing is no longer mandatory in any of the 50 states. The custom, however, is still alive and well. It is a complicated process only because there are so many business and governmental relationships that must be included in the process. Some documents bearing the new name are required earlier in the process than others. Proceed in the right order to save time and frustration. The steps are the same regardless of whether its the bride or the groom or both going through the name cha
