Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: Man takes wife's name in marriage

I am a Maryland attorney so I cannot speak as to the law in other states.

In Maryland there is a process to pursue a name change. Publication is required and anyone who wants to raise issue may do so.

Maryland has passed the ERA so a man can take his wife's name if he were to choose so. I imagine that this may entail a change of name proceeding inasmuch that this is not the societal expectation. Complying with formal name change proceedings may be a good course of action.

Where a name change is sought to avoid creditors or otherwise avoid legal obligations, the court will be not grant the request.

Re: Man takes wife's name in marriage

You can choose any name but if it's a "new" name you would have to petition the court to approve it.