I am an American woman, married to an American man, now living in France (moved here 7 months ago). Ever since I started doing paperwork related to anything French about 9 years ago when we bought a home here, I’ve been amazed at how often the documents do not allow me to use my actual name. I didn’t take my husband’s last name when we married 20 years ago, and the majority of official joint paperwork here only allows for Mr. and Mrs. _____. It means that oftentimes my name cannot be on utility bills, as well, because they will only take one last name, not two.
