Changing current legal name

[donatjr]

A couple of members in my ward just got married to each other, but the new wife wants to keep her original last name for Social Security and insurance reasons, but wants her last name shown the same as her new husband’s last name on her church records. I don’t see a problem changing her preferred name, but I’m hesitant to change her current legal name even though that is how she wants it. What guidance can you give me?

[eblood66]

See Handbook section 33.6.1. The name on the membership record should be the full legal name. But, as you say, you can set the preferred name based on her wishes.

But I think that member tools should show her preferred name in Member Tools (although unit leaders can still see the membership name on the Membership Information page).

And if you make sure to set the Household name for their new household to the husbands name then that will reduce the places where her legal name will show.

[donatjr]

Thank you! Member Tools does show her preferred name, and I did change her record to show her new husband as the Primary Household Contact.