When a woman marries it is a custom for her to assume the surname of her husband. There is no law which says she has to. She may keep her maiden name or combine her own surname with that of her husband. Her husband has a corresponding choice.

If a woman who has used her husband's (or her former husband's) name on the marriage certificate wishes to use her maiden name again, all she needs to do is to start using that name again. As her birth certificate (or, if appropriate, her citizenship certificate) will still be in that name, she has ready written proof of that name. However, it is again important to let people know.

If you marry overseas and wish to apply for an Australian passport in the new name, or you wish to update Vic Roads records with the new name, you may have to register a change of name and provide proof. It is recommended that you check with the relevant authority beforehand as to their requirements.

In proceedings under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) ("FLA"), if any party changes their name after the start of a case, the court and the other parties must be provided with written notice of the change of name (see: r.24.03 of the Family Law Rules 2004 (Cth)).