Husband's Last Name

@magallon (19279)
Philippines
May 22, 2016 8:47pm CST
Why do we have to keep using our dead husband's last name? Is it because we are married in the eyes of God and people? Is it because of love? Or is it because of Law? I encountered a problem about this when I applied for a passport. I wanted to use my maiden name because of a discrepancy in my birth certificate but I was not allowed. According to them, I really have to use my Husband's surname even if he is dead because we are married. Sometimes, I really can't understand why?
6 people like this
11 responses
@Nishkriti (132)
• Kolkata, India
23 May 16
Around my place most people prefer to write both. Like you write your husband's surname first and then write yours. These days legally they ask for maiden names, the way they're registered in school or birth certificate.
2 people like this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
24 May 16
I think we have a different law regarding the use of husband's surname. Maiden names are also being asked here when you fill up important papers.
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
29 May 16
@Nishkriti that's true...
• Kolkata, India
29 May 16
@magallon probably. Some laws especially social laws in different countries are generally way to different from each others.
1 person likes this
@yukimori (10145)
• United States
23 May 16
If you legally changed your name when you married, you would have to petition the court for a name change to revert to your maiden name. At least, that's how it works here in the U.S.
2 people like this
@yukimori (10145)
• United States
23 May 16
@magallon It can definitely be pricey. I'm going to have to pay $200 to file for mine when I get around to it.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
@yukimori .. i have no idea how much in here but i think i am not going to spend amount for that. I just don't want to use his last name sometimes. Most people know me by my maiden name.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
That's also the same here in the Philippines. It is too costly in doing that.
1 person likes this
@wiLLmaH (8802)
• Singapore, Singapore
23 May 16
This is for legality. This will take huge chunk of your time and money if you want to change it agin to your maiden name. You need to visit I think the NSO for that.
1 person likes this
@wiLLmaH (8802)
• Singapore, Singapore
23 May 16
@magallon Me too, I am honest to my husband that I do not like his last name. haha! Actually I do not have plan to change mine, when the passport renewal came, he is there looking with me if I will wright his family name or mine in the form. haha!
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
Yes. Too much effort, time and money is needed. I don't want to do that.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
@wiLLmaH .. So what happened? Did you write his last name?
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
23 May 16
Legality matters. But in Japan, the women can carry their maiden names if they want.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38219)
• Philippines
23 May 16
@magallon Get married again?
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
@sol_cee .. lol.. I am not planning of marrying again. I am contented already with my situation now.
1 person likes this
@Nishkriti (132)
• Kolkata, India
23 May 16
I sometimes wonder whether I'll take up my husband's surname. We're not getting married anytime soon so I've time to think.
2 people like this
@Nishkriti (132)
• Kolkata, India
23 May 16
I sometimes wonder whether I'll take up my husband's surname. We're not getting married anytime soon so I've time to think.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
Are you allowed there not to use your husband's surname even if you are married already?
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
@Nishkriti .. that's good. you have the freedom to choose for your surname.
1 person likes this
• Kolkata, India
23 May 16
@magallon yes we're allowed. It's totally a matter of choice.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
23 May 16
In the UK you can change your name by deed poll, but I think it's a bit of a hassle.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
yeah, changing matters on important papers is really a hassle. money, time and efforts are much needed.
1 person likes this
@Macarrosel (7498)
• Philippines
23 May 16
If we want to change our surname, we have to undergo a process and it takes time to do it. My maiden name is nice than my husband but I have no choice but to use it. One time my daughters asked me why I agree that they will used my husband surname for they like my surname better Hahahaha. Well, they have no choice too.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
24 May 16
that is because of our law and culture here in the Philippines.
@Lucky15 (37374)
• Philippines
23 May 16
Hmmm... i am fine using husband's last name ievennif he isdead.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
fine with me also. i just wonder sometimes.
2 people like this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
23 May 16
it is the law so we must follow it.
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
23 May 16
Agree. whether we like it or not, we have to like it.. Ha ha ha ha.. We have no other choices.
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
23 May 16
it's easy to follow the law than not.
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
24 May 16
@magallon true!
1 person likes this
@magallon (19279)
• Philippines
24 May 16
If you disobey, you will be punished. So better follow the law.
1 person likes this