When you have 2 last names do you have to use both?

It's totally up to you but it's most common for your last name to be the first (the person hyphenating) and your spouse's second (assuming your spouse isn't hyphenating). I'm choosing to hyphenate my last name. Does my spouse have to hyphenate too? No, it's your spouse's choice too.
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When you have 2 last names which one do you use?

You can go the "traditional" route and list your "maiden" name first, or you could choose to list your new last name first, followed by your original last name. Some couples decide to have both partners change to the hyphenated last name, as a show of unity and equality.
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Can I use only one of my last names?

It is perfectly legal and possible. In fact, many people face a dilemma when changing names due to marriage or any other reasons (e.g. some people change names when immigrating).
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Do I have to take both of my husband's last names?

No. When you marry, you are free to keep your own name or take your husband's name without a court-ordered name change. The same is true whether you're in a same-sex or opposite-sex marriage.
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What happens if your husband has two last names?

A hyphenated last name would be Smith-Jones or Jones-Smith. It's your choice which name comes first. Hyphenating your last name is considered a legal name change – meaning you can't drop your spouse's name or the hyphen in the future without having to go through a court-ordered name change.
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Can you legally have two last names?



Do you automatically get your husband's last name?

Your surname does not change automatically upon marriage unless you elect to change it. Nothing in the law requires you to change your name when getting married; it is your personal choice. You are not required to have the same surname as your spouse.
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Can a US citizen have two last names?

Answer: U.S. citizens are required to use their current legal names on their U.S. passports. Unless you can provide documentation that proves sole use of that one last name instead of two, you need to include both last names in your passport application.
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Can I have two names legally?

Its perfectly legal to have more than one name. As rightly mentioned above they are known as aliases.
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Can I keep my last name and my husband's last name?

Whether a woman keeps her name or uses her partner's after marriage is a matter of personal preference, and today, there are no legal issues with doing either.
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What are the disadvantages of having two last names?

Hyphenated Names: The Top 3 Drawbacks of Taking Both Last Names
  • You're Legally Bound To Use Both. Whether you're signing a check or introducing yourself at a cocktail party, choosing a hyphenated last name legally binds you to use it at all times. ...
  • They're a Mouthful. ...
  • Kid Complications.
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How do you address a married couple with two last names?

Addressing Couples
  1. Married couples who both use the husband's last name should be Mr. and Mrs. ...
  2. Married couples who use different last names should use Ms. and Mr. ...
  3. Unmarried couples and same-gender couples who live together should follow the above rule as well.
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What does the 2nd mean in a last name?

A man named after his grandfather, uncle, or cousin uses the suffix II, “the second.” In writing, a comma is used to separate the surname and the suffixes Jr.
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Can you be legally married with different last names?

In most states, you have the option to take your spouse's last name, hyphenate your last name, use two last names without a hyphen, or move your maiden name to your middle name and take your spouse's last name. We think it's important that you know all of the name change options before your big day.
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Why do ex wives keep last name?

Many women choose to hold onto their married name after a divorce because of their children. Sharing the same last name can make women feel more connected to their children. It can also provide a sense of stability for younger children who will not understand why their mother has a different last name.
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Why you should not change your last name after marriage?

Keep your surname.

Pros: You don't have to go through the name change process and it won't affect you professionally. In fact, if you've already established your career, keeping your name supports your well-known reputation. Cons: Certain situations may require you to prove your marriage is legitimate.
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Can you give a child 2 last names?

Some names lend themselves well to hyphenation while others don't. If you don't like hyphens but still want to use both names, your child can simply have two last names.
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Can I use both married and maiden names?

You are able to use two names if you want

You're legally allowed to keep your maiden (or current) name for work or professional reasons, and use your new married name socially or for family-related purposes. Even if you've changed your name by deed poll you're perfectly entitled to use a different one at work.
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How do you prove you have two names?

Do you have a different name version on your passport, education degree, and other visa and legal documents? If yes, then you can create a 'One and same Person Affidavit' and get it notarized to prove that all names belong to the same person.
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How do you file someone who has two last names?

If your dependent has two last names or a hyphenated last name, both last names need to be entered in the last name box as it appears on the social security card. Also, if the social security card has a middle initial/name on it, that will need to be entered in the program after the first name.
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Why do Hispanics have 2 last names?

The two surnames refer to each of the parental families. Traditionally, a person's first surname is the father's first surname (apellido paterno), while their second surname is the mother's first surname (apellido materno).
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Can I name my kid Jesus?

United States. III, Jesus Christ, Adolf Hilter, Santa Claus and @ were all ruled illegal by courts in the U.S.
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Does husband or wife last name go first?

Addressing a Couple

NOTE: Traditionally, a woman's name preceded a man's on an envelope address, and his first and surname were not separated (Jane and John Kelly). Nowadays, the order of the names—whether his name or hers comes first—does not matter and either way is acceptable.
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Is it okay to not take your husband's last name?

Are married women obliged or required to use their husbands' surname? No.
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How often do husbands take their wife's last name?

Very rarely does a husband adopt his wife's surname. In a 2018 study of 877 men, 3% (27 men) had changed their name once married.
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Is hyphenating your last name disrespectful?

Absolutely not! Although >80% of spouses end up changing their last name after marriage, there has been a recent uptick of spouses choosing to keep their maiden name – either by not changing their last name at all or hyphenating.
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