DEAR ABBY: I recently married a wonderful, unselfish man who was willing to take my last name at the altar instead of my assuming his. The reason for his decision was that his family had other sons to continue their family name; mine is a family of daughters.
In order for him to assume my last name legally, we have been told he will have to go to court and request the name change. Isn't this discrimination? From the time a woman marries, she can begin signing her new last name without legally changing it.
Can't a husband assume his wife's last name without going to court? And, do I call myself "Mrs." even if I keep my maiden name? -- CONFUSED IN CANADA
DEAR CONFUSED: Your husband may call himself whatever he chooses, but the prudent thing to do with a last-name change is to discuss it with a lawyer.
And yes, now that you are married you may call yourself "Mrs. John Jones" -- your husband's new last name -- regardless of the fact that you were a Jones before the marriage.