If I change my married name back to my maiden name, do I still need to go through this process?
Yes.  This kit helps you update the records of all major government agencies and other organizations in Canada and BC.  So if they had you on record with your married name, then you need to notify them that you are using your maiden name again.

I have recently separated from my husband and wish to change my name back to my maiden name.  How long does this process take and how much does it cost?
You can begin using your maiden name immediately.  Then order our kit and follow the step-by-step checklist in order to notify all the major agencies that need to know.

I have an active Canadian and Australian passport.  Will your kit update both?
No.  The kit will only update Canadian records.

 
If I am separated but plan on divorcing do I have to wait until the divorce is final to go about changing my name?
No.  You can start using your maiden name right away.  Marriage does not constitute a "legal name change" which means at any time during or after marriage and/or divorce you can use your husband\'s surname OR your maiden name.

 
How does the kit work?  Is it an online kit or a paper-based kit?
Our kit is emailed to you immediately after you complete the payment through our secure site via credit card or PayPal.  You email will have an attached .zip file which contain a check-list with instructions for notifying all the major organizations and government agencies both provincially and federally.  Available forms are also included.


What is a "legal name change"?
Changing your name for any reason other than marriage or divorce constitutes a legal name change.

 
After marriage do I need to legally change my name?
No. Under the Name Act of BC, you can use your spouses last name without a legal name change. But you do need to notify many organizations about your new name, and we can help you with that process.

Is it "legal name change" if I want to take my common-law partner surname?
Yes.  In order to change your name you must have some documented proof.  (i.e Marriage Certificate, Legal Name Change Document, etc)


Can I put a hyphen between my surname and my spouses? 
Sure, but that requires a legal name change.  Once you have completed your legal name change through BC Vital Statistics, you can notify everyone using our service.


I just got married and I want to take my spouses last name - now what?
Just use our simple order form and we will send you all the necessary forms to notify important institutions about your name change.  We will also include detailed instructions for each.