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To take his name or not: Nine options for your married name

BY BRIANNE DISYLVESTER

WeddingChannel.com

To change your name or not change your name... that is the question.

It's a tricky and touchy subject for many couples. Some husbands see it as a sign of respect and tradition, but some brides-to-be think it's a dated concept that strips them of their premarital identity. Luckily, it's not a black-and-white topic; couples have a myriad of options when it comes to reformatting their names.

1. Use his last name: The most traditional and common form, women drop their maiden name and assume their husband's last name. So, if Jane Sarah Doe marries John Peter Smith, she becomes Jane Sarah Smith.

2. Middle ground: Brides are following a growing trend and ditching their middle name and adopting their maiden name as their middle while taking on the husband's surname as their own (example: Jane Sarah Doe changes to Jane Doe Smith). Women still get to retain their family name while embracing a new married one as well.

3. Hyphenate: Still want to keep your middle and last name? A hyphen is an ideal alternative (example: Jane Sarah Doe-Smith). However, if you already have a long surname, it can get a little complicated -- especially for your children.

4. Plus one: If a hyphen makes your name way too complex, try adding your husband's surname at the end of your full name (example: Jane Sarah Doe Smith). You may choose to simply go by Jane Smith, but legally you'll still have all of your given names intact.

5. Share it: Marriage is a partnership, so keep things on a level playing field by modifying both of your last names. Try tacking on your surnames or adding a hyphen. This way, you'll both be known as Doe Smith or Doe-Smith and carry on each of your family names.

6. Add a middle name: Another growing trend, especially in professional circles, is for the husband and wife to take each other's last name as a second middle name while retaining their own surname. This way, there's an equal give-and-take on both sides (example: she becomes Jane Sarah Smith Doe and he's John Peter Doe Smith).

7. Blend them together: You're already blending two families into one, so why stop there? Rather than bicker over last names, blend both of your surnames for something brand new just like TomKat or Brangelina (example: Doe + Smith = Doth or Smoe).

8. Don't change a thing: Husbands never had to change their name, so it's a little unfair to assume wives should. Women in professional fields often decide not to change their name, especially if they're in the public eye or renowned in their field. Another option is to keep your maiden name at work and your married name socially (example: Jane Doe at work and Jane Smith in your personal life).

9. Whom to notify: Now that you picked your new last name, you have to change it legally. Start by updating your Social Security information followed by your driver's license.

Once you've completed that, notify your human resources department at work and update your car registration.

Change any other insurance policies, wills, mortgages, medical records and important legal documents. Then modify your bank accounts, investments and credit cards.

Finally, finish the in-depth process by changing bills, your voter registration and organization info, and be sure to alert the post office.