- 19-Apr-2025
- Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
Yes, civil partners can use the same surname in many jurisdictions, but whether they are legally required or allowed to adopt each other’s surname depends on the local laws and cultural practices surrounding civil partnerships.
Unlike marriage, where it is common for one partner (often the wife) to take the other partner's surname, the practice of adopting a shared surname is not always as formalized in civil partnerships. In many places, civil partners can choose whether to use the same surname or retain their original names.
Surname Adoption: In the UK, there is no legal requirement for civil partners to adopt the same surname. Civil partners can choose whether to:
If a civil partner wants to change their surname to their partner’s surname, they typically do so by deed poll, which is a formal process of legally changing a name. This is similar to the process followed by married couples. It is entirely optional and based on personal choice, with no legal obligation to do so.
Official Documents: After a name change, civil partners may need to update official documents, such as bank records, passports, and driver’s licenses, to reflect their new surname.
Surname Flexibility: In most EU countries, civil partners also have the freedom to decide whether they want to adopt a common surname. Unlike some countries where marriage laws dictate surname conventions, civil partnerships often allow partners to retain their original names or adopt each other’s surname.
In countries like France and Germany, there is no law that requires civil partners to use the same surname, but it is culturally common for some couples to do so. In these countries, if a partner wishes to adopt a new surname, they can change it via legal process, often similar to a deed poll.
Cultural Practices: In some jurisdictions, it is more common for civil partners to retain their individual surnames, but the choice remains a personal decision.
Surname Adoption in Domestic Partnerships: In the United States, the issue of surname adoption for domestic partnerships (which are similar to civil partnerships in some states) is generally governed by the same rules as for married couples. Civil partners can choose whether they want to:
Same-sex couples and those in heterosexual domestic partnerships can legally adopt the surname of their partner in most states. The name change process usually involves filing a petition for a name change in court, but in many cases, it can be as simple as notifying the relevant authorities (such as the Social Security Administration or DMV) of the change.
Example: In California, a partner in a domestic partnership can change their name through a name change petition similar to the one used by married couples, allowing them to adopt their partner's surname.
Surname Flexibility: In Australia, there is no legal requirement for civil partners to adopt the same surname. Civil partners may choose to:
If one partner decides to change their surname to their partner's, the name change process is generally handled via deed poll, similar to the UK system. This allows individuals to legally adopt their partner’s surname for personal or cultural reasons.
Official Documents: As in other countries, after a name change, the civil partner will need to update documents like driver's licenses, bank accounts, and passports to reflect their new surname.
Surname Adoption: In Canada, civil partners can choose to use the same surname if they wish, but it is not legally required. Just like in marriage, civil partners have the right to retain their original surnames or adopt their partner’s surname. If one partner wants to change their surname, the process is generally similar to the deed poll process in other countries, and they will need to update all relevant legal and official documents.
Province-Specific Rules: In some provinces, the process to adopt a new surname may vary slightly, but in general, there are no strict rules that require civil partners to have the same surname.
Surname Practices in Civil Partnerships: In many countries that recognize civil partnerships (such as South Africa, New Zealand, and Belgium), there is no legal requirement for civil partners to adopt a common surname. Partners are allowed to choose whether to keep their original surnames, combine them, or adopt the same surname.
Cultural Norms: In some countries, it may be culturally expected or more common for civil partners to use a shared surname, but it is generally not mandatory.
In the UK, a couple in a civil partnership, Alex and Jordan, decide that Alex will take Jordan's surname. Alex goes through the process of changing their surname via deed poll, a process that requires filing legal documentation and updating official records such as their passport, bank accounts, and social security details. After the change, Alex and Jordan both share the same surname.
In most countries that recognize civil partnerships, civil partners can choose whether to use the same surname. There is typically no legal requirement for civil partners to adopt the same surname, although they have the option to do so if they wish. The process of name change (if desired) generally involves a deed poll or similar legal procedure to update official records. The decision often depends on personal preference, cultural norms, and the legal system of the jurisdiction in which the civil partnership is registered.
Answer By Law4u Team
Discover clear and detailed answers to common questions about Family Law Guides. Learn about procedures and more in straightforward language.
