Should I just have 2 last names?

Re: Should I just have 2 last names?

• brookelynpaisley member

  

  November 2010

  I think in this situation, when you call to set up your start date, advise them that you'll be getting married just before your start date and plan to change your name (if in fact you want to) so for email and business card purposes, you wanted to give them a head's up. They don't know when you got engaged or anything, so it's not their business. If you want to keep your name and go by his socially, go for it. I think I'd avoid the 2 name thing.
  
  I haven't read all responses, but maybe poli can chime in about her experience of having two last names.

  
  Infertile, living childfree, advocating like a BOSS

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• leah2b member

  

  November 2010

  Attorney here as well. I have 10+ years of practicing under my belt and was just recently married.  I am very conflicted on the name change because, as stated by attorney poster above, my contacts in the legal profession, including many judges in different jurisdictions, know me by this name.  I also have a ton of published opinions in my name.  Your name (which goes hand in hand with your reputation) is everyting in this business.  I don't want to hyphneate because that is just a PIA.
  
  I would say if you are just started in in your career, change it now if you are going to change it at all. 
  

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• hccpsu member

  

  November 2010

  I'm not an attorney, but I have 25 years in my profession and so have a lot of contacts, have published under my maiden name, etc. so I wanted to maintain it professionally.  It was important to DH that I take his name (and yes, I caved), but I didn't want the hassle of two "official" last names.  I dropped my middle name and moved my maiden name to my middle, and use both my maiden and married name at work--"Jane Smith Doe."  Legally, I'm Jane Doe, which is MUCH easier when it comes to insurance, legal forms, etc.
  
  I had originally planned on keeping my maiden name at work, but my company wouldn't let me--they said everything had to match the name on my Social Security card.  So at work I use both names, but most everyplace else, I only use my married name--it's just easier that way.

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