Alberta > Marriage:When I get married, do I have to take my husband's last name?No. Changing a last name upon marriage is a custom only and it has never been a legal requirement. When you get married, there are several options available to you. You may keep your own last name, you may take your husband's name, or you may use a combination of your last names (such as Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith). It is also possible to use your husband's last name for social purposes while continuing to use your own last name for legal purposes, such as your passport, bank accounts, driver's licence and so on. The important thing is that you must not use both names in an attempt to defraud someone. If you do decide to use your husband's last name, it is not necessary to inform the Department of Vital Statistics. However, you will have to arrange to have all your personal documents changed to reflect your new name. You should contact your bank to arrange to change your name on your accounts, credit cards and banking cards, and the federal government to deal with documents such as your social insurance number and passport. Your driver's licence should also be changed. Do not forget such important documents as insurance policies and your health care number. Note also that marriage automatically invalidates a will, unless the will specifically mentions that it has been made with an upcoming marriage in mind. You should make a new will immediately after marriage. Your husband has the same options available to him. He may keep his name, take your name or use a combination of both.
March 1996 |
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