How to address an envelope to a married woman who kept her maiden name?

Dear Polite One,

With so many females keeping their maiden names after marrying, how I address correspondences to them?

Confused

Dear Confused,

Many times, women keep their maiden names to retain career identity. This is her name no matter what her marital status is. So, if the correspondence is primarily to her, list it like the following.

Ms. Jane Brown

Mr. John Smith

If listed on the same line, add an "and."

Ms. Jane Brown and Mr. John Smith

If you don't know her husband's name, you could use this example.

Ms. Jane Brown and family.

If the correspondence is primarily to her husband, list his name first.

Mr. John Smith

Ms. Jane Brown

However, if this is a social correspondence and one is a doctor or holds a title (officer or similar), this person would be listed first.

General John Smith and Ms/Mrs. Jane Brown.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

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