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Rising Star
Anyone like Rhaenyra a lot more than Daenerys?
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In that case I’d to the opposite of what you’re thinking of— don’t officially change your last name but go by your husband’s last name socially. So if you’re Sarah Jones and he’s Brian Smith, you would legally remain Sarah Jones and would use that name professionally, but among friends & family you’d be fine being referred to as Mrs. Smith. I think a fair number of people do this.
I think this is the way to go. Got married last year and did not change my name but idc if people in my family/social circle assume I did and call me Mrs. his last name.
Rising Star
Typically yes and it’s an annoying process. Never change your legal name. Use whatever name you want socially and on social media.
It depends on the state bar. Many have anonymous ethics hotlines you can call, maybe call your state-specific one and see what they say?
Pro
That’s what I did — changed my name legally/socially, but not at work. I do wish I’d changed it at work now (building sign-ins that don’t match my ID, flight reimbursement and firm credit cards, switching between signatures, some other awkward things), but I’m a little too late now. And very glad to have changed it legally/socially now that have a kid, even though it was an obnoxious process.
I changed mine and was expecting the update with the state bar to be a pain, but it was actually very easy. I waited to change my name until I lateraled so started fresh at the new firm with my new name without having to update internal systems or email, etc. However, getting it changed on my DL in Texas was a beating and if I had known how hard it would be I probably wouldn’t have changed it all. I assume Texas is at the bottom of the list for gutted state infrastructure and the process is easier in most other states though.
I believe Texas allows you to practice under your maiden name even if you legally change your last name.
Pro
I changed mine legally, at work, and socially. I had absolutely no issues and highly recommend. It helped that I moved to a new firm after I got married so no one knew me with my maiden name. Also I was able to add an AKA with my state bar. So it is AKA my maiden name. I also have my maiden name in parenthesis on LinkedIn. But honestly, after so many years now with my married name, I don’t feel like I need those anymore. Now that we have kids, I am very glad I changed it.
Pro
Oh sorry I just read your comment that you don’t want to change your maiden name. That’s fine too, and I know a lot of people do that. If you do change your name, I’ve found that it was easier logistically down the road after several years of marriage.