Do I have to change my name ?

[Calendula 39]

Hi there ! 
My fiancé and I have been talking about name changes. I love my last name, and he loves it too. He doesn't really cares about his but still wants us to share a last name, so he wants to take mine. It would be a bit unusual since it's usually the wife who changes her last name, and not the husband. Do you think this could cause problems with the government and such, since I'm an immigrant ? 

Also, if we both decide to each keep our current last name, would it be an issue ?

Thank you very much ! 

[JFH 12,190]

You can keep your name or take his name. It doesn't make any difference. He can also formally change his name to yours, if you wish. Or you can both double up the names so you both have both names. It's your choice. It won't cause any problems. 

[Calendula 39]

Thank you ! 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Agreed, we have kept our original last names. No issues.

[audacieux89 256]

You can retain your last name.

He can take your last name.

Or you can hyphenate your last names...your choice!

 

Changing names will require a lot of paper work because you will need to make name changes as well with your bank documents social security, dmv, etc.. so just be prepared for those paperworks.

 

I didn't change my last name and i didn't have any issue at all. Perfectly legal. Usa isn't very strict regarding retaining names...lots of women even encourage it 😉 it's a difderent era...less people are traditional nowadays

Edited December 30, 2017 by audacieux89