This changing my name business isn’t easy. In fact, it brings new meaning to the phrase, “red tape”. Anyone who really knows me won’t be surprised to hear that the inconsistency of having my name one way in some places and another in others just isn’t gonna fly. I have changed it at work, which was pretty easy. (Secretly, I’m finding it really fun to pronounce it for people and share that it’s new.) They just did some network changes, did some playing around with the phone directory, and a new nameplate has been ordered (in its place right now is a computer printout that says the new name).
I think that in terms of changing one’s name, it really depends on what the name is. My new name has the same number of syllables as the old one, is kind of unique, and has the same sort of British quality that my old one does. So I like it. I accept that it’s on its way to becoming part of my identity. But if my new name was going to be something either unsavoury or really dull, I might think more carefully about keeping my name.
Hypenating them just was not an option for me. I’ve yet to come across a hyphenated name that didn’t sound stuffy or just plain ridiculous. (Absolutely no offense intended if you have a hyphenated name…it’s just not for me.) So what I’ve decided to do, in order to honour my past and embrace my present and future, is to keep my maiden name (was I ever a maiden!?) as a middle name. Whenever I sign my signature, I’ll sign Graham’s (and now my) family name, but my maiden name will still be in there. Kind of like Hillary Rodham Clinton.
There is a provincial Ministry of Government Services form that I’ve filled out as far as I can. Now I have to have Graham fill out a section, get a Guarantor to fill out a section, proving I’ve lived in Ontario for at least the past 12 months, and then find a Commissioner to sign and witness my application, saying I’ve followed all the steps and that the information is true. Then I just send them a cheque for $137 and bam! I’m Amy Marie MaidenName NewLastName. At least partially. Then I have to change my Driver’s Licence, Health Card, SIN card, bank accounts, credit cards, etc. etc. Yes, I’m doing it all. For consistency! I can’t help it, it’s what I do.
Okayyy…I’ve changed the driver’s license, etc, but I never did that thing with the guarantor and commissioner, etc … does this mean I’m still VanderWal and not Kostrey??
I didn’t think you could change your driver’s licence without doing this form first. Maybe I’m wasting my time?
And hi! Do you have a blog going anywhere?
I just brought my marriage certificate everywhere to get my name changed.
And, no, I don’t have a blog at all anymore. I googled my name, and found my blog at the top of the page, so I deleted it and haven’t started a new one! I haven’t been online much at all this summer!! Congrats on being a wife!!
A work colleague said it’s also a pain when you come to renew your mortgage, because it won’t be in the same name as when you initially purchased your house and had the lawyer file it all…apparently iit costs money to have a name changed on the deed of a house. How annoying! I suppose it’s any way possible for the government to make some extra money!
Fortunately my name was never on our mortgage since Graham bought the house before he met me!