Amal Alamuddin set the blogosphere on fire when she opted to change her name after marrying actor George Clooney. Signalling to many that a woman needn't keep her name in order to prove, to anyone, that she is her own person, it opened up the topic for public debate.
Whilst it is totally optional, several legal implications do apply, so whether you choose to take your husband's married name at all times, professionally refer to yourself by your maiden name or decide to double-barrel yours with your husband's, we'll walk you through the legal ins and outs.
Tax
The Revenue need to be notified when you have changed your name, and you can ring them at any time to do this. Just remember for the first year of your married life, you will continue to be taxed as a single person. To change your tax details, send a copy of your marriage certificate, the date of your wedding and both of your PPS numbers to the Revenue office.
Register of Electors
If you plan on changing your name, you may want to let the register know so your next voting card for any upcoming referenda or elections will come to the right person.
Work
Your employer needs to be informed if you plan on changing your name so they can amend the payroll, or send out new business cards with your married name on them. They may also want to change your email address to your new name, which can often only be done by an administrator. Don't forget to change your email signature as well.
Passport
While previously you were able to simply replace your old passport with your new name, now you need to apply for a brand new passport with a new expiration date. This will impact your honeymoon plans if you want to have your passport displaying your new name by then, so make sure you have this sorted out in plenty of time.
Insurance
Inform your insurance provider if you change your name to ensure all their records are up to date, and all information is sent to the correct person.
Banks and building societies
You may want to change the name that appears on your debit or credit card, or update the information on your mortgage too. It's also important to notify any institutions you have any loans taken out from.
Doctors and dentists
Let your local GP clinic know you've changed your name so the next appointment you make isn't preceded by you having to explain countless times that you're still on the system.
Driving licence
While you are legally required to have your licence on you at all times, you don't have to change your name on it. If you want to update it, you'll have to send for a new licence by applying at a NDLS centre with your marriage certificate.
-Aoife Bennett
Image Credit: Bride and groom: beautymovesme.com | Kiss: Photographs by Anjuli via Bridal Guide