Last Name Question - Getting Married

[etv]

What is the name of your state? CO

I am soon to be married and have a question regarding last name usage. For professional reasons, I would like to continue to be known by my maiden name (Smith, for example), but for personal reasons, I would like to use my husband's last name (Jones, for example).

I know one option is to use my maiden name as my middle name - Mary Smith Jones. If I do that, can I still use Mary Smith for business purposes (possibly to include air travel, corporate credit card and perhaps even paychecks) and perhaps retain Mary Smith on other things that are already in that name?

Thanks!

[fairisfair]

yes, you can use both names.

[tigger22472]

To add to this however, your LEGAL name will be the one in which is on your social security card. If you never change it then you don't have to worry about it. For personal reasons (people who personally know you) they will know you as "Mrs. Jones" or whatever. For business reasons your legal name would be used.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by etv

What is the name of your state? CO

I am soon to be married and have a question regarding last name usage. For professional reasons, I would like to continue to be known by my maiden name (Smith, for example), but for personal reasons, I would like to use my husband's last name (Jones, for example).

I know one option is to use my maiden name as my middle name - Mary Smith Jones. If I do that, can I still use Mary Smith for business purposes (possibly to include air travel, corporate credit card and perhaps even paychecks) and perhaps retain Mary Smith on other things that are already in that name?

Thanks!

When I got married I took my husband last name (even for paycheck purposes) but continued to use my maiden name professionally. It was no problem. Only our HR department and my immediate supervisor had any real knowledge that my legal last name wasn't the one I was using for business purposes. I also kept many credit cards in my maiden name.

However, another option is a hyphenated last name Smith-Jones. (rather than using your maiden name as your middle name). That gives you the continuity you might want for professional reasons, but also acknowledges your marriage.