Name Changing in Quebec

Kbodchill · February 7, 2011

Hello there!

Are there any brides out there who have any info regarding name change procedures in QC? As far as I can tell, you'd have to have a legal name change done? Is this right? Is anyone else in the process of doing this?

Kbodchill · February 20, 2011

*Bump* Anyone anyone?

J'accepte aussi des repliques en francais! Where are the Quebec Brides?

Jessamaka · August 2, 2011

Hi Kbodchill,

I too have looked into this and as far as I understand as long as your primary residence is in Quebec there is no legal way to change you surname to that of your spouse. This is because you need to give a reason to change you name, and marriage is not accepted. Legally we're stuck with our own names. But I plan to assume that of my husband once wed. I'll introduce my self as Mrs. C and at work I'll have my email and that stuff changed, but all my IDs will have my maiden name.

Do let me know if you find a way around it though.

Jessica

Vero007 · August 4, 2011

Hi Jessica,

We actually got legally married last Monday and our notary did inform me that I would not be able to change my name. Even if you file a request, it will be denied. You can use his name but any official document will have your name maiden name on it(medical card, driver's license, passport) It's very disappointing because I would love to change my name but looks like we're stuck. If you find a loophole, let me know.

Jessamaka · August 4, 2011

Hi Vero,

I notice that you have your location as Ottawa. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought that it was the laws of your province that were applicable regardless of where you got married. If you got married in Qc but have your IDs in On then you can have them changed. It's just the Quebec provincial stuff you can't get changed. Because I looked into the reverse situation, getting legally married in Ontario, but I was told that the Quebec laws on name change would still apply as that is where I live.

Kbodchill · August 10, 2011

Hi Jessica and Vero,

I'm totally in the same boat....! We're actually flying home to Manitoba to get married with our families, but you're right, so long as we live here, and QC has issued all of our official ID documents (driver's licence, Health insurance card) we'll have to retain our maiden names. Boo! While I love living on this QC side (rather than Ontario) this is one law that I am not a fan of.