Royal bride Zara Phillip's
decision not to take her new husband Mike Tindall's last name is we
are told, because she feared it could have a negative impact upon
her equestrian career and business interests. An Eventing World
Champion, Zara has her own range of equestrian clothing (named
ZP176 after the team number she was given when she first
represented her country). Her dilemma is one faced by many career
women when they marry.
But there are other options
available to brides-to-be who may want to reflect their change in
marital status, but without surrendering their maiden name. One
alternative gaining popularity in the UK is for brides when they
marry to add their husband's last name to theirs, as is popular in
the US and other parts of the world.
As Zara Phillips demonstrates,
there is of course no legal requirement for you to change your
surname at all when you marry. But if you decide to do so, your
Marriage Certificate will only replace your last name with
your husband's. If you want to add his last name
without surrendering yours, you can do this in the UK by deed poll.
Legally you are adding your maiden name as a middle name. Or you
could opt to change to a double-barreled name when you are married
to create a new last name. If you are a very 21st
Century couple you could both adopt a new double-barreled last
name.
You can arrange for a change of
name by deed poll to take effect and for signing on your wedding
day by applying via various organizations on-line (including
thelegaldeedponlservice.org.uk and ukdps.co.uk to name but a few)
or your solicitor can help. Do this at least three weeks before the
wedding. If you decide not to change your name but would like to
reflect your change in marital status to "Mrs" this can also be
changed by deed poll.
If your name change is
officially by deed poll, you will only need this document as proof
of your change of name once married. Whether you eventually change
your name or not, you should still inform financial and insurance
institutions that you have married as in their small print you'll
often find it is a requirement. Please refer to our MARITAL
STATUS & NAME CHANGE blog for a list of who to
notify.
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© Sarah Haywood,
2011