Legal Question in Family Law in New York

I got married recently and cannot seem to find out what I can and cannot do about my name. I don't want to change my banking, charge cards, professional licenses and permits but would like to assume my husbands name for social occasions and for anything acquired new. Is it possible to hyphenate my name (e.g. Sheila Smith-Jones), for my passport, Social Security card, and driver's license but use either Sheila Jones or Sheila Smith for other things?


Asked on 6/17/10, 1:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Paula McGill Attorney at Law

You have to pick a legal name for banks, charge cards, professional licenses, permits, passports, social security cards, and driver's licenses. What you choose to call yourself for nonlegal purposes. For example, you can keep your family name for legal purposes and introduce yourself as Mrs. Jones for parties, social events, etc.

Also licensed and practicing in New York.

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Answered on 6/18/10, 11:41 am


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