12/04/2024
Legal Alert: Know Your Rights, Choose Your Name!
Hey ladies! Did you know? When you tie the knot, you're not required to adopt your spouse's surname? That's right! The choice to use your husband's surname is entirely yours.
In a landmark ruling (Remo v. Hon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs, G.R. No. 169202, March 5, 2010), the Supreme Court affirmed:
"Clearly, a married woman has an option, but not a duty, to use the surname of the husband in any of the ways provided by Article 370 of the Civil Code. She is therefore allowed to use not only any of the three names provided in Article 370, but also her maiden name upon marriage. She is not prohibited from continuously using her maiden name once she is married because when a woman marries, she does not change her name but only her civil status." So, feel free to keep rocking your maiden name post-marriage!
According to Article 370 of the New Civil Code, you have the right to decide what to do with your surname after marriage. You can:
1. Combine your maiden name with your spouse's surname.
2. Use your maiden name alongside your spouse's surname.
3. Adopt your spouse's full name with a prefix like "Mrs."
4. Stick with your maiden name.
For instance, if your spouse's name is Alden Richards and yours is Katherine Bernardo:
1. Katherine Bernardo-Richards
2. Katherine B. Richards
3. Mrs. Alden Richards
4. Katherine Bernardo
Remember, marriage changes your civil status, not your name. So, embrace your choices and stay empowered! For questions and more information, you may PM us.
