What Name To Use on Your Passport
This is a question we’ve received numerous times and our answer starts off the same: This is your choice. In a recent video on our social media, we advised that you should decide what name you will use after you get married. because this decision is usually made when you apply for the license, New York for example. You have to consider factors such as: assets you have and what name they will be in; your alien registration card AKA greencard; academic credentials, family name. See more details below.
Your documents should be consistent; especially your passport and greencard. You want to avoid a disparity between passport and greencard when you travel. There was a time when you could show your marriage cert to explain the name disparity but this is not something you want to do continually.
What Name To Use: Factors To Consider
Deciding whether to use a married name or not is a personal choice, and there are various factors to consider when making this decision. Here are some considerations to help you weigh the options:
Personal Identity:
Tradition: Some individuals choose to take their spouse's last name as a traditional and symbolic gesture of unity and commitment.
Identity: Consider how strongly your current last name is tied to your identity and whether changing it would impact your sense of self.
Professional Identity:
Career: Consider the impact a name change might have on your professional identity. In some fields, a name change may require updating professional credentials, email addresses, and business materials.
Recognition: If you have an established professional reputation, changing your name may require efforts to ensure continued recognition.
Family Considerations:
Family Name: Many persons consider the last name of their children when they decide whether to take a married name. This holds for both first or second marriages. After a divorce many mothers choose to keep their married name so they will share the name with their children. Upon remarriage they do not assume the first new married name.
Family Tradition: Consider family traditions and whether taking a spouse's name aligns with the expectations or preferences of both families.
Legal and Practical Considerations:
Legal Process: Understand the legal process and requirements for changing your name in your jurisdiction. It typically involves filing paperwork with government authorities.
Documents and Records: Changing your name can involve updating various documents such as your driver's license, passport, social security card, and financial accounts.
Communication and Consistency:
Communication: Discuss the decision with your spouse and ensure you both understand each other's preferences and expectations.
Consistency: Consider the impact on consistency, especially if you plan to have children. Having the same last name as your spouse and children may be a factor.
Hyphenation or Combining Names:
Hyphenation: Some couples choose to hyphenate their last names, combining both partners' surnames with a hyphen.
Creating a New Name: In some cases, couples may choose to create a completely new last name that represents both partners.
Social and Community Perception:
Community Perception: Consider how your community, friends, and extended family may perceive your decision, as social expectations can vary.
Comfort Level: Assess your comfort level with potential questions or comments from others regarding your choice.
Practicality and Convenience:
Practicality: Consider the practical aspects of using a married name, such as ease of pronunciation, spelling, and general convenience.
Impact on Relationships: Consider how your decision may impact your relationships with extended family and friends.
Long-Term Perspective:
Long-Term Commitment: Reflect on your long-term commitment to your marriage and how your decision about your last name aligns with your vision for the future.
Ultimately, the decision to use a married name is highly personal and should reflect your individual values, preferences, and circumstances.
