Don’t Change Your Name Without Considering These Hidden Costs
When a person is considering changing their name, there are many things (from cultural norms to emotional considerations to family traditions) to consider. One thing we don’t always think about is the financial impact of changing a name. This video and blog post will address two of the major costs that I see individuals take on when they change their name:
The Work/Time Involved - In most (if not all) states, marriage or divorce provide an opportunity to change your name without filing a separate name change petition in court. However, this still leaves the hours of paperwork and standing in lines at places like the DMV that it takes to get everything squared away. Especially for those who went through the process when they married and are now facing a repeat to return to their prior name after a divorce, the amount of work can be overwhelming and involve a considerable time commitment.
The Professional Value of Your Name - For those who are already well established in their work community with a particular name, a name change can have a dramatic impact. Some people even use their name in the branding for a small business or professional practice. Losing connections, name recognition, and goodwill can spell out massive loss of income.
When addressing this issue, it’s important to note that these hidden costs impact women and certain members of the LGBTQ community more than others. How can we shift our cultural expectations to level the playing field? To hear more about my thoughts on this topic, check out this video:
