legality of using two different surnames

[griffaloschild]

I currently use my maiden name at work and my married name for all other purposes. I've changed most documentation to show my married name. The problem is that having two names seems to create a lot of confusion, particularly as my title at work is Dr and otherwise Mrs, so I get all sorts of mixed up title and surname combinations (including Miss and Ms!). I thought it would be a good idea to take DHs name because of DS etc, but when it comes to anything about him I have to give my work name so I can be contacted, so it doesn't really matter.

So the top and bottom of it is that I'm thinking of changing back to my maiden name, apart from the joint a/c and the mortgage a/c, (just because it would be complicated to do) but this would mean I would have two different bank accounts in different names. I can't find any info which suggests this is illegal as long as its not done for fraudulent reasons, but sounds a bit dodgy to me. Does any one know different? I certainly don't want to do anything illegal.

Yes, you can have bank accounts in different names as long as you aren't doing it with the intention of defrauding anyone. You can prove your entitlement to both names by showing either a birth certificate or a marriage certificate so there should be no problem.... although you might find it easier to have the accounts at different banks. Some banks get funny about one person using two different names.

I have 2 names, Dr Maiden Name-Married Name at work and just Mrs Married Name at home. So same as you. My passport and all other things bank etc are in my married name. I don't seem to have any problems. Maybe its the double barreled bit that makes it easier.

I had some problems to begin with, like plane tickets in the wrong name and cheques made out to wrong person, thankfully most of that was in the early days and changing tickets and the like was easy. Use to just take marriage certificate and degree/PhD certificate and they'rd change it. 12 years on its no problem. Work know i just use my married name out of work and homelife people know i have a work name.

Just posting to say really if you want 2 names it can work.

Thanks for your posts, given your message Katz I might try to give it another go as it stands. Particularly as the suggestion to ditch his name seems to rile DH.

Although, I have had two names for nearly 3 years now and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

I also have 2 names - Dr MaidenName at work and Mrs MarriedName at home. Like Katz, it caused some problems in the early days but it seems to have settled down now.

My bank accounts are at different banks, though, as Barclays could give me an account in my maiden name, but couldn't tie it into the mortgage account as that was in my (our) married name.

I use my maiden name professionally and married name for home things -like doctors - because of my son. As I understand it, you are enttiled to use married name by virtue of, well, being married. Legally, never known a problem with it.

I have a joint bank account in married name and keep my own business and private account in maiden name. CCRB checks in both names. Some organisations don't like it, but I have always stuck to my guns and they've accepted it.

while I'm in the company of some Drs who are married can I butt in and ask a question? [pauses very briefly then launches into question]

is it OK to call oneself Dr Married Name if you actually got your PhD certificate in your maiden name? I was (just) married when I got my PhD, but didn't ask the University at the time.

thanks

All the mums I know who are married use their maiden name for work and married name outside.

Don't think they have any particular problems as it is so common to do this in the medical profession.

Bumpy, I gained my professional qualification under my maiden name but have always used married name at work. Has not been a problem. Though I did register my name change with my professional body.

Have you registered your change of name with the doctors professional body (is it the GMC? sorry, not really up on the medical world). If you have, I would think that would be good enough as they regulate your right to prictice as a doctor.

Sory, that should have been all the mums I know who are doctors and also married.

thanks Hippo :) I'm not a medical doctor, I have PhD in molecular biology. I'm not in a professional body as I've not had a job where I've needed a PhD! I don't suppose anyone would really care that I call myself Dr, it just feels a bit odd to me as it's in the 'wrong' name.

I use both. In fact I use 3 - maiden, doubled and married only....

As long as you know where you're who it's fine!

well I know who I used to be. I was the clever one who could use long words and stuff. Now I'm just a SAHM who cleans bums and picks junk up all day :(

I think maybe I need a new name that sounds like someone who means business. Perhaps I'll go for a new title, not Miss, Mrs or Dr, perhaps it'll General or Admiral.....

bumpy - I would think loads of people have married since completing university education so their certificates will be in a different name. No big deal.

I always show my maiden name on CVs in case of confusion.

You are also still that person who gained a Phd.

I know it can sap your confidence looking after DCS all day, but you are still the same smart cookie!