Jan 2, 2009 5:26 pm US/Pacific
Name Change Law Gives Calif. Couples New Options
STOCKTON (CBS13) ―
California couples have to give their last name some serious thought before tying the knot. That's because a new law gives them a hand-full of options when it comes to their married last name. That includes a man taking his wife's last name.
Sheena Nishimura and Issac Dimas have been together for awhile and they are finally tying the knot.
"8 years, I deserve something," says Sheena.
And as of yesterday, a new law gives Issac the choice to take his wife's last name. And while Sheena likes the idea, Issac agrees sort of.
"I think it would be a good change, it would be neat to see a guy taking a girls name," says Sheena.
The new law is called the Equality Act. And not only may a man take a woman's last name, but the couple getting married may combine each others last name.
For instance, John Smith and Jane Doe could be Mr. and Mrs. Smoe.
That's exactly how, and although it may sound silly to some, applications for marriage licenses show that it's not.
"We didn't have to verify, but now we do," say officials.
The San Joaquin County Clerk-reporters office is ready for the change, but wants to let people know it's no cake walk if you want to change it back.
"They actually would have to go through family law and get a court order legal name change if they want to change the last name," says one county clerk.
As for Sheena and Issac, they're looking forward to the big day.
"A new beginning for the both of us," they both tell CBS13.
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