The Oregon Statutes specifically provide that both the husband and wife
may change their surname to that of the other party. If the party seeks
to utilize the other party’s surname, he or she is also permitted to
utilize their pre-marital surname as their middle name. This is
permitted without filing a formal name change petition, as would be
required in other situations where a name change is sought.
The relevant statutory section is § 106.220, and it states as follows:
106.220 Surname upon entering into marriage.
- Upon entering into marriage, either party may retain the party's
surname prior to the marriage or change the party's surname to the
surname of the other party or to a hyphenated combination of the
surnames of both parties. If a party requests a surname change under
this section, that party may also change the party's middle name to the
party's surname prior to the marriage. Each party must indicate on the
application, license and record of marriage the party's name after
marriage.
- The name of each party after marriage as indicated on the
application, license and record of marriage shall become the sole legal
name of each party after marriage. If a party indicates a name change
other than as described in subsection (1) of this section, the party
shall request approval of the court pursuant to ORS 33.410.
If you are in the process of getting married, or were recently married,
you face the challenge of advising various state and federal
governmental agencies of your new name. Our Oregon Marital Name Change Notice Kit
provides all of the forms that you need, with easy-to-follow
instructions. If you know someone who is getting marriage, this forms
package is the perfect gift!
