Tonkasmum wrote:
I think if you change it back at the time of the divorce, you're better off. If you wait, then it turns into a pain (and is more expensive). I kept my married name when I divorced, I figured everyone knew me by it and didn't see much of a reason to go through the hassle. Of course, now I get the added giggles that the ex's girlfriend is just FURIOUS I didn't change my name. Apparently I "don't deserve" to have his name...
That kinda hits home for me. My friend's mother left his dad and the divorce was extremely messy and contentious. She kept her married name (which she'd had for 20 years) and the rest of the family was pissed about it. "She left, so she should leave the name too. She isn't a part of this family so she doesn't need it or deserve it." Ouch. Did anyone ever think that the last name is as much a part of her identity (legal or otherwise) as it is yours? Of course not, you're a bunch of men who have never had to do much less consider such things.