MARRIAGE: CHOICE OF SURNAME

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that one or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which that party wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new surname in the space provided on the application for a marriage license. Provides that the entry on the application shall consist of one of the following surnames: (1) the surname of the other spouse; (2) any former surname of either spouse; (3) a name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of either spouse; or (4) a combination name separated by a hyphen or space, provided that each part of the combination surname is the premarriage surname or former surname of either spouse. Provides that the designation of a surname under the new provisions has the effect of providing a record of the surname change. Provides that the marriage certificate containing the new surname, if any, constitutes proof that the use of the new surname, or the retention of the former surname, is lawful. Effective immediately.