[boyko86]

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?

[Clough]

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

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 ).

[LearningAsIGo]

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