WHY WOULD DIVORCED WOMEN KEEP SURNAME?

[Noddyandbigears]

I am really curious about this. I am married and have 2 children and I honestly think I would revert back to my maiden name if I was to divorce my partner.

When woman say they want to keep the same name as their children I honestly can't help thinking that really its just a way to stay connected to their ex. I mean come on its 2013 and lots of people have children out of wedlock, double barrel their surnames and all sorts. Why would you honestly hang onto a name of someone who clearly doesn't love you anymore? I would be looking to get back to my old name as a kick in the face for him!!

Thoughts?

[Noddyandbigears]

No hang up at all then!

[cjel]

I am keeping MY name, its mine for 30 years, it makes me feel part of the family of my dcs and dgcs. Never considered changing it. not hanging on for spite or changing to 'show him' any thing/

I don't read anywhere that OP has dismissed my views or reasons but some of you are being very judgemental on OP. Some of you do sound a tad bit hung up!!!!

[Noddyandbigears]

THANK YOU cjel!! You have restored my faith in mumsnet!

My original post was a thought / a view etc, I put it out there as I wanted to know and understand all of your opinions and do you know what? its really made me think and change my original view. I honestly do believe that a lot of people keep the name for simple reasons such as being the same as their children, or just being used to the name etc. I really haven't meant to attack anyone, but it does make you wonder if some people DO keep the name as 'one up' especially as some people have really taken offence to the mere suggestion. I am telling you that my friend did just that - she honestly thought by keeping his name it was a way of getting to her ex's new partner. I doubt anyone would come onto this post and admit to that which is fine but I think we have to accept there are some people like that.

My original point was that if anyone did think like that then surely by keeping his name its not spiting him or his new partner its just spiting yourself and the whole 'kick in the face thing' was meant in the sense that by getting rid of his name would be one of the best ways to show him that you'd completely washed your hands of him. That was all I meant. However I accept this doesn't necessarily apply to everyone.

[DonutForMyself]

But even that implies that we care enough to want to 'show him that we've washed our hands of him'. I don't give a stuff about my ex!

[Noddyandbigears]

Oh Jesus I give up.

[cjel]

donut glad you don't give a stuff about your ex but please who are you alluding to when you say we? I do give a stuff about my ex, violent abusive and cheat, but i still care about him and worry for him, just don't have to have him in my life any more. the phrase \i think she doth protest too much just came to mind!!

[CatDogAndMouse]

I kept my married name because my maiden name is awful!

DPs EW wanted to change their DCs surname. When he refused to agree she 'threatened' him that she would keep his name too if he wouldn't give his permission. And? Doesn't bother me or him what she calls herself. It did matter that the children kept his name.

She used a different name for DCs until the court dismissed her request.

[SpringyReframed]

It has given me so much pleasure to revert to my maiden name. It is hard to describe in words but I am now me again and it has been a massive part of my recovery process. My children didnt mind at all. It has caused no problems whatsoever with school or anything like that. Loads of children have different surnames to their parents and no one bats an eyelid.

[Sinned]

So you want to change it from one man's name,the ex, to another man's name, your fathers?

[Nacster]

I'm not changing my name on divorce.

I didn't realise I was only borrowing it while I was being a good little wifey!

I like it. It's a good name. Living in NI, it is also a nicely neutral name, whereas my father's name placed me very firmly in a certain religious camp.

It's a bit odd to assume it's usually done out of spite or some other weird ass emotional motivation. Reverting to your old name requires action, and quite a lot of it. Remaining the same requires no effort and little explanation. I think it's possible that apathy causes more women to keep a name than spite.