Changing your name, once married

In many cultures, it is customary for one or both partners to change their surnames after marriage. 
In Australia, this practice is entirely optional, and individuals have the freedom to make this deeply personal decision based on their values, beliefs, and personal preferences.

this is a helpful journal, that will take you through the process, if you decide to change your name after marriage.

Step one:

All couple’s married by me, will have their Official Marriage certificate ordered from Births, Deaths and Marriages and sent straight to their door.
This is the certificate you use to change your name, not the decorative ‘pretty’ certificate you sign on your wedding day (pictured above)
So any changes, won’t be able to be made, until you have this piece of paper in your hot little hands.

Step two:

If you would like to take the time to action all the name changes on your own, this part is NOT for you.
However, if you would like someone to handle this for you, as you are time poor, or just don’t want the hassle, there are companies that can do this for you.
For example, Easy Name Change
They will send you out a kit, you will save about 8 hours of your time, and it’s only $79. (there are other options available)
The kit will have all necessary documentation you will need to fill out, to change your name in these places:

ATO, Medicare, VicRoads (or whichever state you reside in), Passport, AEC, myGov, BDM Certificates, Banks, Professional (workplace) Insurance, Utilities, even your loyalty and rewards programs

Handling the change yourself

So you have decided to action all the change on your own. 
The following list are where you will need to do so.

Ambulance membership
Australian Business Register (if you’re the director of a company)
Australian Electoral Commission
Australian Organ Donor Register
Bank/s (accounts, credit cards, ATM cards, loans, cheque books, term deposit accounts)
CityLink account
Council – rates and animal registration
Frequent Flyer and other loyalty clubs
Home phone account
Insurance – car, house, contents, health, life, insurance protection
Internet account
Investments and shares
Loyalty/rewards programs
Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
Memberships –(library, sports clubs, gym)
Mobile phone account
Mygov (ato, centrelink, medicare etc)
Online (socials, linkedin)
Pay TV account
RACV breakdown cover
Real estate agency (if you’re renting)
Regular service providers (hairdresser, mechanic, vet, accountant, lawyer, doctor, dentist)
Superannuation
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
VICROADS (License, registration)
Voicemail
Your children’s school
Your employer
Your will