Frequently asked questions
- Who do I notify if I change my name after marriage?
- Would a marriage abroad be recognised in this country?
There is no legal requirement for a woman to take her
husband's name after marriage.
If she does change her name she will only have to notify those
persons or organisations that have an interest in her identity e.g.
employer, bank, Inland Revenue, Social Security etc.
Would a marriage abroad be recognised in this country?
Recognition of a marriage which took place outside the United
Kingdom under foreign local law can only be determined by a Court.
However, generally speaking the Registrar General advises that such
a marriage would be recognised as valid here provided that it
complied with the law of the country where it took place and the
couple had the legal capacity to marry under their law(s) of
domicile.
If a couple is concerned about the validity of their marriage
they should seek legal advice. In such circumstances it may be
possible to petition the Courts for a declaration of status under
Section 55 of the Family Law Act 1986.
Where a marriage certificate is not in English, it may be
advisable to organise a literal translation for official
purposes.