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Marriage Certificate

DO I HAVE TO CHANGE MY NAME?
No. A lot of newlyweds choose not to change their name at all. In this case, there is no need to formally notify anyone that you have been married but intend to keep your name.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT THAT I HAVE TO CHANGE MY NAME WITHIN?
No, there are no legal time limits for changing your name. If you do intend to change your name though, some government departments have preferred time frames so once you have decided to change your name it's best to do it as soon as possible to avoid problems later on.

CAN I CHANGE MY NAME SOME PLACES, BUT NOT OTHERS? FOR EXAMPLE, I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP MY MAIDEN NAME AT MY WORKPLACE FOR FAMILIARITY AND PROFESSIONAL REASONS, BUT CHANGE IT EVERYWHERE ELSE.
It is possible to have one legal name, but be known by another name. This is called a name by association. While it is possible to do this, and can be beneficial if you have built up a professional image with your maiden name within the workforce, it can cause problems later on, for example with inconsistencies in your name that Human Resources have, compared to your banking details, superannuation details etc.

CAN I CHANGE MY NAME BEFORE THE WEDDING TO TAKE OUT THE HASSLE OF DOING IT AFTERWARDS?
No. In most instances you will require your wedding certificate to change your name. There may be some exceptions, for example your doctor and dentist (and other similar service providers) may not require proof of identity and may update your details in advance. You will not however be able to receive medical services for example under your new name until your details are also updated with Medicare (who do require proof of your new name).

WHEN CAN I START CHANGING MY NAME?
As soon as you have a marriage certificate!

WHAT IS A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
The proof of identity rules have recently changed in a lot of states. The "certificate" presented to you at your wedding is a "commemorative certificate" that is different to the certificate that is issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Your commemorative certificate will often not be acceptable as proof of identity. In order to eliminate hassles later on it is advisable to get an official certificate of registration of a marriage from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state. Your celebrant should register your marriage for you, you just need to go into the registry (with proof of ID) and request a certificate. All the forms for requesting a marriage certificate are available from the relevant authorities or in popular name change kits.

I'M GOING OVERSEAS FOR MY HONEYMOON, DO I JUST TRAVEL ON MY OLD PASSPORT?
Yes, and be sure that your airline ticket is booked in your maiden name, and your accommodation is either booked in your maiden name or your husband's name. You probably won't have time to formally change your name before you go on your honeymoon and airlines won't allow you passage if your ID is different to the name your ticket was booked under.

This information was provided courtesy of The Smart Bride Name Change Kit which is available from www.thesmartbride.info and www.afterthewedding.com.au

Source: www.articlesbase.com