Where is it written that you DON'T become Mrs X?

[MsChnandlerBong]

We got married in March. I didn't change my name. We have received MANY Christmas cards addressed to Mr & Mrs Whatever. I didn't change my name.

When I tell people "Oh, I haven't changed my name", they tell me that actually I did. I got married and LEGALLY my name has now changed. Now I know this isn't true but I would love to point people at a piece of legislation or something! It's beginning to irritate me. I am NOT Mrs hisname. I'm, as I've been for forty years, Ms My name. Help me!

In the English legal system, the point is that if you get married and wish to change your name, you can do so with a great deal less hassle and fuss than if you wake up one morning and decide right, from now on my name is Fanny Longbottom and I want all my documents to reflect that change

That isn't correct. In the UK every person at any time, no need to give a reason, can change their name.

But as I understand it, for purposes of marriage you can wander into the bank with your marriage certificate and it's done. But if you do it for any other reason you need to go through the deed poll thing? Its not that you cant, just that it takes more effort.

@BlingLoving deed poll is less effort than divorce.

Hmm, isn't being his-named as bad as being dead-named or mis-gendered? Perhaps we need to start involving the police