Weddings involve many decisions – big or small wedding? What type of dress? Colour theme? Venue? Date? Many women grapple with whether to use their maiden name, use their married name or combine the two. This blog looks at the option of using both.
Career
For many women established in their profession, their surname is important; changing it could feel like starting at the bottom of the ladder again. This is more the case than ever due to the average age of brides rising and the use of the internet to search for people quickly. Linkedin is one of the most popular ways of finding people in their industry, so changing your name could affect that.
The answer may be to keep your maiden name professionally but use your new married name personally. This is becoming more common with brides, and while it is not something that will suit everyone, many find it a great solution if they are established in their field and want to retain their reputation. This is a perfectly legal option and can even help you keep your business and personal life separate.
The Benefits of Using Both Names
You won’t have to worry about confusing clients or your professional network about your name change if you maintain your maiden name professionally. You won’t have to replace your business cards, endure awkward introductions at networking events, or deal with the hassle of telling all of your clients about your new name. Without creating misunderstanding, you can maintain the solid professional reputation you have established. Lawyers, doctors, and other professionals who choose to double-barrel, another option to consider, or keep their maiden names professionally, find this option particularly appealing.
Who Should I Inform?
For your new name, you must update formal identification documents like your passport and driver’s licence. Change at least one official ID, preferably your passport or driver’s licence.
You can submit an observation request in section 8 of your passport renewal application form to have it noted that you use your maiden name professionally if you decide to change your passport to reflect your married name. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that you won’t be able to travel using your ‘observed’ name because it is only used for identification, not border control. You must consider whether you should align your passport name (maiden or new) with your NHS record so that they align with any vaccination records that would be required when you travel abroad.
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