How to Use Your Maiden Name
After marriage, there are times when using a maiden name might be preferred, such as in a professional setting where a name change is inconvenient. There are a few options to women, such as never changing a last name, changing the middle name to a maiden name or hyphenating the last name. The key point to using a maiden name is ensuring that the name is legal and will not create problems on taxes or state documents.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Find out the state laws regarding the use of maiden names. Each state is different and some states do not allow women to use their maiden name unless they legally take steps to avoid changing their last name to their husband's name. Always look up the state laws regarding legal name before using a maiden name.
-
2
Change or maintain the maiden name as appropriate for personal needs or wants. For example, a professional doctor might decide she is better served keeping her maiden name to avoid confusion regarding her degrees while a woman who is a stay-at-home mother might decide that changing her name is easier for children and a husband's job position. Whether to change or maintain the name is a personal preference. If the maiden name is maintained, the state laws regarding legal names are followed to keep the maiden name and then the name is used for all documentation.
-
-
3
Use the name professionally and socially. The use of a maiden name in a professional setting is a matter of convenience. When using the maiden name for a job or job position, a woman should use the title "Ms." Peggy Post, an etiquette expert from the Emily Post Institute, states that a woman who uses her maiden name should always use the title of "Ms." to indicate that she is not using her married name and that the use of "Ms." is appropriate for the business world.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
