Last names have become a hot topic these days because Social Media and Social Networking has enabled a new level of self branding. People are constantly reminded of each other’s last names because of how Social Media categorizes friend’s lists and other information. This information is further spread around by the fact that it is public and anyone has access to it, including employers and potential clients. Keep this in mind when you begin planning for marriage because there are consequences for changing your name when getting married. The social ties created prior to marriage may lose or gain significance depending upon the choice to change names when getting married. It is in your best interest to discuss such matters with a professional attorney to avoid any misinformed choices regarding legal name changes.
Why should a Professional change their name when getting married?
- There are aspects to changing, or retaining, a last name that people are not aware. One such aspect is self branding. Social media and Internet based sharing has caused individuals to become their own self managed image to the world, a brand. The last name of a business professional can bring similar business advantages to a brand. Most people in their 20’s or younger who get married have not necessarily established their individual brand and adopting the last name of their partner could be beneficial, or detrimental, to their future brand.
Why shouldn’t a Professional change their name when getting married?
- Understand that changing your name for marriage may not be permanent. After a divorce, some people keep their ex spouse’s last name because they have been known by that for years and it is their kids last names. In other cases, after a divorce is finalized and an individual has to return to their birth name, they may lose their identity and brand that has been established throughout the relationship. Many people feel lost and as if they have to start their life over simply because of a last name. With divorce rate as high as it is, more and more people are not taking their spouses names and are opting for alternatives, such as hyphenation. These situations can be avoided by consulting with a qualified family law attorney to get the a professional’s opinion.
What are the lasting effects of changing your name when getting married?
- Understand that changing your name for marriage may not be permanent. After a divorce, some people keep their ex spouse’s last name because they have been known by that for years and it is their kids last names. In other cases, after a divorce is finalized and an individual has to return to their birth name, they may lose their identity and brand that has been established throughout the relationship. Many people feel lost and as if they have to start their life over simply because of a last name. With divorce rate as high as it is, more and more people are not taking their spouses names and are opting for alternatives, such as hyphenation. These situations can be avoided by consulting with a qualified family law attorney to get the a professional’s opinion.
Contact Our Name Change Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale Today!
Traditionally, changing your last name when getting married was a great step towards finalizing your brand in life. Due to the high rate of divorce, the modern economy, and modern societal demands, this tradition is starting to fall by the wayside. Developing an individual brand with your last name is a necessary task in the digital world. Anyone can Google or lookup a Facebook page to dig into the brand of an individual. Understand this concept before attempting to change last names.