For years, you may have taken your surname for granted, but faced with its possible loss, you may find yourself more attached to the name than you'd realized. This is the name you went through school with, the name you went to work with, the name everyone knows you by. It feels like a part of you. On the other hand, maybe your last name is ten syllables long, or no one can ever pronounce or spell it right, and you can't wait to get rid of it.

Options

When it comes time to a decision on your name, there are options. Here's the scoop on getting it done.

• Use your maiden name as your middle name and your husband's as your last. So if Jennifer Andrews married Trevor Miller, she'd be Jennifer Andrews Miller.

• Hyphenate the two last names: Jennifer Andrews-Miller. This means that the two separate last names are now joined to make one name (kind of like a marriage). You keep your regular middle name, but saying your full name can be a mouthful: Jennifer Marie Andrews-Miller.

• Take your husband's name legally, but use your maiden name professionally. In everyday life and social situations, you'd use your married name; but in the office, you'd use the same name you always had.

• Hyphenate both your and your husband's last names: Jennifer Andrews-Miller and Richard Andrews-Miller.

Make it Legal

Before you can make any official changes to you name, you will need to have your official marriage license. Once that is in hand, you can download forms from the Internet (or pick them up/request them via mail or phone). You will need a new social security card and a legally valid form of identification, usually a driver's license.

One easy way to tackle this task is with a name change kit. These kits are widely available and provide the proper forms and information you need legally to change your name. Each state has its own requirements, so be sure to purchase a kit that is customized for your state.

NAME CHANGE DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Bank accounts (savings, checking, 401k plans, investment accounts, etc.)

Car registrations

Credit cards

Driver's license

Employment records

Insurance policies

Internal Revenue Service records

Leases

Passport

Pension plan records

Post office listings

Property titles

School records or alumni listings

Social security

Stock certificates

Utility and telephone information

Voter registration

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