You have NOT legally changed your name. Simply getting married does not change your name. Simply using the new name does not legally change yoiur name. Changing your name is a legal process, requiring a few simple forms be filled out and filed. Your Legal name is still your maiden name. This is the name you must use on formal documents. You may call yourself anything you wish - his last name, your maiden name, - you could even call yourself "sally bedswaggle" if you wanted to. However, your legal name is still your maiden name. If you wish to change your legal name, you must file the appropriate documents. You may change your name to his last name, a hyphenated last name, or actually, anything you want. In addition, you may use whatever name you want. A common arrangement is for a woman to legally change her name to her husband's last name, and use it socially, but continue to use her maiden name professionally. Or yoiu could legally keep your name, continue to use it professionally, and use his socially. Or just keep your maiden name, using it all the time. Or change your name to his and use his all the time. or any combiantion - whatever is most comfortable for you. Just remember - your legal name is currently the name you were given when you were born, and the name you must use on all official documents. If you wish to change your legal name, you must file the papers, and then get ALL of your "official" documents changed to reflect that new name - your driver's license, SS card, any ID you have, etc, plus inform everyone under the sun. Sorry this is so long - hope I was clear.
