opening joint bank account

[mitzybell]

i have gone under my partners surname for 18 years we have changed bank accounts but he new bank want proof that im his wife . we didnt have this hurdle with previous bank. why cant we just open an account as mr. mrs ?

[spudqueen]

Generally it depends what you are known as, eg what your employers know you as. If you are known as Mr and Mrs Smith then that's what you are known as, if, however you are known as Mr and Miss Smith then that's what it should say on your bank account.

[BenDToy]

I see there are more answers to your later question, however this one makes the problem clearer (to me anyway). I don't believe they have the right to ask for proof that you are married, and I can't see why they should. You could be brother and sister, or even unrelated to each other with the same surname (perfectly feasible if a bit unlikely!). I am sure what they want is proof that the name you are asking for the account in, is actually your name, which they must do by law. I suspect from what you say that it is not your name at all. For further information see the answers to your other question.