The Pros and Cons of Changing Your Last Name After Marriage

Decades ago, it was pretty much a given that women would take their spouse's last name after marriage. In fact, most people didn't give it much thought and followed through with all the paperwork almost immediately. Today, however, is a bit different; keeping one's maiden name is no longer an anomaly. If you're torn between traditional and contemporary approaches to last names after marriage, read on about the perks and headaches of what it means to make the big change.

Pro: Everyone in the Family Will Have the Same Last Name

No need to prove that you're actually Johnny's mom if just you and your child decide to take a trip abroad. Plus, you can still keep your maiden name alive by using it as a middle name for your child. Bonus: Now you can get that "The Millers" doormat.

Con: The Paperwork

Get ready to allocate some time (roughly 10-plus hours) for administrative duties. Once you decide to change your name, you'll need to update all of the important documents, including your social security card, tax forms, driver's license, credit cards, health insurance, and passport. In other words, expect a lot of forms and lines. Consider outsourcing some of the work with the online name-change service, MissNowMrs.com.

Pro: You Won't Confuse Family

Chances are, your great aunt and grandmother are assuming that changing your name at marriage is a given. So, you won't have to have a conversation as to why you decided to keep your maiden name or risk receiving a slew of birthday and holiday cards addressed to some other Mrs.

Con: Business Logistics Can Get Tricky

Whether you're a freelance designer or own a namesake company, changing your name often also means changing the name of your business ventures, which can be a headache when it comes to notifying your clients and colleagues.

Pro: You Dislike Your Given Name

Perhaps your name is 15 characters long or you're simply ready to move on with another chapter of your life. In these cases, taking a new name gives you a fresh start.

Con: Your Lineage Is Important to You

Turns out, you're a distant relative of some important Duke with ancestors who crossed the world before immigrating to the United States through Ellis Island (at least, according to your genealogy investigations). You are proud of your roots and don't want the family name to end now.

Pro: You Are in It Together

Sharing the same name automatically makes you more trustworthy when you're doing something on behalf of your spouse, especially if it involves accessing paperwork. What's more, when everyone has the same last name, you may feel more unified with your spouse.

Con: Accessing Files From the Past

Once you change your name, it may be a hard to dig into old records, especially those that deal with finances and legal issues, without proper documentation. Make sure to tie all the loose ends before you officially take on a new name.