When two people get married does the wife's last name automatically change to that of the husbands or do you have to do something to legally change it?

Hi, boyko86!

If in the U.S. no. Generally, name changes are done through procedures at a county courthouse. Some official documentation, such as a marriage license is required. Other documents may also need to be presented.

To find out for sure what the requirements are, I would suggest making a call to the courthouse.

What is quoted below, is from the following site.

Does a woman's last name change automatically when she gets married?- ABA Family Legal Guide (http://public.findlaw.com/abaflg/flg-3-1a-8.html)

Thanks!


Requirements for Getting Married

Does a woman's last name change automatically when she gets married?
No. A woman's name changes only if she wants it changed. In the past, a woman would often change her last name to her husband's name when she married. Now society recognizes a woman's right to take her husband's name, keep her original name, or use both names. The general rule is that if a woman uses a chosen name consistently and honestly, then it will be recognized as her true name. The details on how to change a name can be found in the sidebar entitled "What's in a Name?" (see page 72 ).

When I decided to change mine to my husbands, I took the necessary paperwork to the Social Security office and the Secretary of State.