Genealogy Chat

Thanks everyone for replies . Good idea Christine I had a failed death certificate this morning so will post it there <3

Typically, the certificate could say John Williams married Mary, late Brown, formerly Smith, where Brown is her previous married name and Smith her maiden name.

The index may have two sets of entries one for each name against the same marriage reference but often only her name at the time of the wedding is shown i.e. Brown.

Children subsequently born should show Smith in the index as mothers name. This can be confusing if you are unaware of the previous marriage as it can be difficult to link the birth cert to the marriage as the mothers name is different.

"I do wish we could see more info without having to buy the certificate it can work out very expensive ".

We could all help each other out by doing as I now do. If I buy a bmd cert I add a Postem on the FreeBMD record giving the details from the cert. It may help out another researcher at some time. Also, if it is a marriage record, the info helps to narrow down the choice of names for the other couples. :-D

Thanks to everyone who answered so no hard and fast rule it seems .

For our own benefit maybe we should get the info on the certificates change LOL

I do wish we could see more info without having to buy the certificate it can work out very expensive :-0

I have one certificate where the woman had already changed her surname to that of her future husband. It says "name changed by deed poll " in brackets on it but doesn't give her previous surname. I suspect that is not uncommon.

I know people who married 2nd time (3rd & 4th!), marriage document shows nothing about previous spouses.

Official forms do (the ones filled in to apply for marriage license), but not the marriage certificate.

Maybe law has changed?

Females USUALLY use maiden name........ but they may use married name..... depends on circumstances. Friend of mine changed back to maiden name after divorce.

Rollo


I've just been working on such a case for someone ......... fortunately the woman had an unusual name, if they could only spell it correctly!


so, the woman USUALLY uses her previous married name .................. but may use her maiden name.



OR she may use, in fact, any surname that she has been using immediately prior to the marriage.



Not helpful at all!!




sylvia

Generally her married name (although there are those who WILL be difficult ;-)).

Maureen

The register should show her married name and i that she was a widow (her father's name would show her maiden name) but people didn't always do what they should!

Please Would a widow use her married name or spinster name on the certificate if she remarries . Um silly question I expect LOL

Jill