ABA Family Legal Guide

Family Law

Marriage

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 ).