DP and I are not married, after 23 years together.
Our children have his surname, a decision arrived at after proper discussion. He is the last in his line and wanted to carry on the surname, whereas my surname will carry on through my brother and his sons.
If we get married, I will keep my name. I've had this name for so long I will feel uncomfortable taking another name.
Even though I don't have the same name as the children, people still see us as a close family unit, and no-one blinks an eye at the different names.
Double-barralling the names is not an option. My own name is already double-barrelled, and DP's name is one, long, word and would not look right if doubled up with even part of my surname.
His name is his, and my name is mine, no problem.