A woman taking her husband’s family name on their wedding day has been a long-standing tradition.
In the Middle Ages, Coverture was a legal doctrine that merged a woman’s legal existence with that of her husband.
The trend for women to take their husband’s name upon marriage continues today.
Double-barrelling of surnames has also been quite popular, even amongst celebrities, with the most well-known example being that of the royal family who carry the name Mountbatten-Windsor. Brooklyn Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham also took the decision to do this when he married Nicola Peltz.
On some occasions, a husband may take the surname of his wife. It is fairly rare, but it is likely that in these modern times, there will be an increase in this trend.
Let’s take a look at the tradition of a wife taking her husband’s name on marriage and the options available to the woman on separation or divorce.
Should I revert to my maiden name?
There is no legal requirement on divorce to change your surname. It is a personal decision and is a matter for you as to whether you change your surname or start your new chapter in life with your married name.
Our Family Law Team shares some thoughts on keeping your married name, reasons to change your name, and how you can change your name.
Reasons to Change Your Name
A fresh start
Changing back to your maiden name or changing your name to a new name altogether can help you to bookmark the start of a new chapter in your life. For some women it provides a feeling of regaining control of your life and moving on from the marriage, drawing a line under the stressful divorce process, and moving into a more peaceful future.
Shed the reminder
If your marriage ended on bad terms, or you suffered abuse or neglect, then keeping your surname can serve as a reminder. Changing your name could bring a feeling of liberation.
New relationships
The start of a new chapter may mean a new relationship and changing your surname may help you to feel that you are a “free agent” to move on with your life. Your ex-spouse may also meet someone new and remarry with someone else taking their surname, which may trigger you to change yours..
Rediscovering your identity
As the saying goes “a change is as good as a holiday”. Changing your name may prompt a “new you” and may provide you with the confidence to start a new lifestyle or to explore new hobbies or interests.
Dislike the name
You may simply be over the moon to rid yourself of a surname that you did not particularly like or had to change in order to comply with your ex-spouse's or family’s expectations or traditions.
Reasons to keep your married name
There is equally nothing wrong with wanting to keep your married name or to not be in any rush to change it. Some reasons why divorced women continue to hold onto their ex-husband’s name include:
Ease and convenience
Changing a name can have its complications. It can take time to update all accounts, policies, memberships and subscriptions.
Familiarity
For many women, they have been known as “Mrs Jones” or “Mrs Walker” for so many years that it forms a large part of their identity. You may not feel comfortable identifying as “someone else” or telling friends, colleagues, or neighbours to call you anything else.
Keeping connected to children
If your married name is the same as your children’s name, then you may feel that changing your name would disconnect you from them in some way. It may also be practical to have the same surname as your children on legal documents, such as passports etc.
Liking the name
You may simply be fond of your married name or dislike your maiden name.
Your professional career
If you have built up a successful reputation or career with your married name, then you may not wish to change your name in order to avoid any confusion.
If you are interested in changing your name or would like more information about the process of changing a name, please contact us on 01256 844888 or email us at enquiries@lambbrooks.com
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.