Polish law does not require either spouse to change their surname after marriage. Traditionally, however, it is the wife who takes her husband’s surname. In most cases, this was obvious in our grandmothers’ times. Today the situation is slightly different and more and more women decide to keep their maiden name. Although this is still a minority – 90 percent of Polish women still change it after marriage.
Wedding and name change. Is Poland an exception?
But what if the relationship doesn’t stand the test of time? In the event of a divorce, within three months from the date of the divorce decree becoming final, a person who took the spouse’s surname may return to the surname he or she had before the marriage. According to the Prawa.pl portal, this must be done by means of a declaration submitted to the head of the registry office or the consul.
Interestingly, taking your husband’s surname is not a given in other European countries. In Italy, for example, women continue to have their surname after marriage, the same in Greece. In Spain, however, only two-part surnames are valid.
Change of surname after marriage. “I love mine too much to give it up”
As researchers note, the average age of marriage is rising. What matters here is the fact that many women already have an established professional position when they get married and changing their surname is not always convenient for them – it also involves a number of formalities, including: change of documents. Some future wives prefer to keep their family name, for example for ideological reasons. Still others decide to add their husband’s surname to their own.
We decided to ask a few young women for their opinion. What are their observations on this topic? Joanna, for example, has been in a relationship for many years. He emphasizes that he is very fond of his maiden name. “Here’s the problem,” he points out. “I love my surname too much to give it up. My fiancé is a bit clumsy, but it’s only my business. I want to have a double-part name, although it will take a long time. But I won’t give up mine, especially since I’m very close to my parents.” – he announces.
“I have lived 30 years with a unique name and I will stay with it”
Nadia, in turn, assures that she will not change her surname after the wedding. “I have had two surnames since birth and I love them, I can’t imagine any other option. I used to think that maybe it would be more convenient with a shorter one, but this is no longer the subject of my thoughts. I have lived over 30 years with this unique surname and I think, that I will stay with him,” he says.
Of course, I know that something may change for me at some point, I don’t rule it out. As for the child/children, they can easily take their father’s surname
– he adds.
Wiktoria got married a few years ago. For her, changing her name was no problem. Even though she also liked her previous ones.
I think that if one of them was shorter, I would probably take a two-part one, but unfortunately in the current situation it was rather impossible – I don’t think it would fit in any boxes and documents. I’m not thinking about divorce
– ensure.
“Just before I typed it, he looked at my hands like never before”
Adrianna started working for her professional success at the age of 19. Therefore, changing her surname after marriage turned out to be quite a dilemma for her. How did she get out of it?
Back then I told myself I would never change. Well, I met my husband and it turned out that his name was cool and suited me. Today, although my name is different, I still have my maiden name in my heart. And my husband? He didn’t insist, although I know he was very pleased that I made such a decision.
Marysia, in turn, is a newlywed. “I also changed my surname, although I thought hard about it and told my future husband about it. I know that he cared about me and wanted me to take it. When we were at the Civil Registry Office and we had to enter the surname that we would take after the wedding, before entering , he looked at my hands like never before…” – he replies.
Julia, who is in an informal relationship, tells the story of her aunt. “She got married right after graduation, took her husband’s surname. She was already known by that name in the work environment. The divorce came and my aunt, not wanting to explain to everyone the return to her old surname, kept her husband’s surname. She has had a second husband for 10 years and is waiting for retirement, to be able to change the surname she has and doesn’t like. Everyone can now decide for themselves whether it is worth taking their husband’s surname. Personally, I would choose a two-part surname,” writes Julia.
What is your opinion on this matter? We welcome your thoughts, opinions and comments. Write to us at: pozna@agora.pl.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
