Should I Hyphenate My Last Name After I Marry?
Full Question:
Answer:
Legally, there really is no difference between using both a maiden and married name or adding a hyphen between the two. It is more a matter of personal preference. A hyphenated name would be ordered (in a phonebook or catalog, for instance) under the first letter of whichever name had been placed first.
As long as not done with wrongful intent, such as to defraud creditors, it is generally acceptable to continue using a maiden name for business purposes. The need for a legal name change may result from marriage, divorce, adoption or simply a desire to have another name. Generally, you cannot change your name for a fraudulent purpose, such as avoiding debts. Means of changing your name generally include usage (in some states using a name as your own has the affect of making it your name); court order (a court order is recommended to change your name and is required by most states); or a marriage certificate as proof of name change.
The court must find that the requested name change is consistent with the public interest. A person is not allowed to change their name in order to avoid judgments or legal actions against him or her, or to avoid debts and obligations. A person can not change their name to defraud any person.
It is possible that the original name will be included as part of the new name change, such as when a surname is hyphenated after marriage or included as a middle name rather than a surname. As long as not done with wrongful intent, such as to defraud creditors, it is generally acceptable to continue using a maiden name for business purposes.
