Many people believe that married women must change their surnames to match those of their husbands. Indeed, this is just a custom. Women in India are free to pick which surnames they want to keep or drop after marriage.
As a matter of fact, they may change their surnames or add their spouse's name to their existing one at their discretion. There is no legal requirement that requires women to change their surnames after marriage in India.
Furthermore, with a growing India, some men want to continue their families with their wife's surnames, so they change their surnames after marriage. It is a choice these men have, and no law can prohibit them from doing so.
Let us dive into how to change name in india in this article
Why Do Some Women Want to Keep Their Married Name?
- Changing one's surname would irreversibly alter an individual's sense of identity, because it would be impossible for her to ever regain her previous name.
- Everyone has developed an identity over the course of many years, which would be completely lost if she changed her surname.
- Her maiden name is printed on everything from school and college diplomas to bank accounts to credit cards.
- Changing her surname would make her feel like an independent, modern woman rather than a strong, modern woman.
Why Do Some Women Change Their surnames After Marriage?
- To make the paperwork hassle-free.
- The name change is intended to make life simpler for people who want to get a passport, open a joint bank account, or get a ration card, for example.
- Although the members of the family should all use the same surname, a woman might choose to take up the new family's surname to feel a sense of belonging.
- A child's surname can be changed in the event that the parents have different surnames. You may begin anew by changing your name.
After Getting Married, You must Change Your Surname
- The first step is to visit a nearby notary and obtain an affidavit detailing the former appellation, the new name, and the reason for the modification. You might have to submit a copy of your marriage certificate as well. You can print your affidavit on stamp paper worth ₹10. If you are living abroad, you may approach the embassy for verification.
- You should then place an advertisement in both a local and an English-language newspaper.
- To officially get your name listed, you must go to the controller of publication of any government gazette and provide copies of your ID cards, photos, newspaper ads, and other related materials.
Your official name change will happen within 15-30 days if the application was successful.
Takeaways
It doesn't matter whether you are a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, or any other person of faith, the Indian law does not require a woman to change her surname after marriage. Whether you change your name ceremonially after marriage or not, you must first change your name legally to comply with the procedure listed above.