Ms. Mrs. Miss... Last name change help.

I still use my widow last name only at work professionally and use my new married name socially. Because I was my widow name so long, I completely dropped my maiden name and became first name.widow name.new name (unhyphenated) and made it that way on my SS card and DL. The thing is ppl still call me by my widow name at times but it's ok because it's still a part of my name officially, so I don't sweat it.

Almost everyone I work with legally changed their name after marriage but kept their maiden name for work. Honestly, it's a pain in the butt to change it at work and if you have a reputation in your field/profession then it's easier to stick with your maiden name professionally. They didn't go about it in a certain way... they just didn't change anything at work..

I chose to change my name professionally but definitely still answer to my maiden name since I've been at the company 6+ years with it.

As far as going by the two names, I don't think you would have that many problems. All your friends know you got married so just let them know you are going by Mrs. Husband's Last Name and introduce yourself to new people socially as such, change your social media, etc. Since you want to keep a professional name, just continue sending emails and introducing yourself as Ms. Maiden Name...anyone at work who knows you got married will understand that you are keeping a professional name.

I don't think that you should have any problems with paychecks but I would definitely have your married name listed somewhere in your work file in the event that you need to show your new legal (social) name ID for security reasons and it doesn't match your professional name.

I have a family friend growing up who did that. We all as kids called her Mrs. XXX, but legal and professional her name was still Ms. YYY. I don't think that's a big deal as long as you don't get offended when people mix them up.

It is totally your choice!

If I were you, I wouldn't legally change it. Just refer to yourself as Mrs. Husbandsname in public and Ms. Maidenname at work. You will remain Ms. Maidenname on all legal stuff, but it saves you the HEADACHE of doing all the paperwork.

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I think that's a great suggestion