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Expert: Alice J. Bogert - 4/17/2008


Question
My boss and I disagree on how to address a prospective client in our proposal.  Wife goes by maiden name-married name.  How do we address in our  proposal...Jane Jones and John Smith?  Help, this proposal MUST go out today.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Doreen,

I would address it with the husband's name first followed by the wife's name exactly as she defines it.  If she uses her maiden name only, use that.  If she uses a hyphenated name, maiden name and then married name, use that.  

Names are important to people; it is best to take their lead and follow what they call themselves.

Examples follow depending on her preference:   John Smith and Jane Jones;  John Smith and Jane Jones-Smith.

I hope this was helpful.   I wish you well.

Take care,

Alice J. Bogert

Business & Technical Writing

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Alice J. Bogert

Expertise

I have taught English grammar to elementary school, high school, and college students for several years in addition to private tutoring for students struggling with writing assignments. I also teach adult writing classes for business professionals in the private sector as well as for various government agencies. I have edited manuscripts and other writings submitted by various authors for publication to magazines and journals

Experience

I have studied English grammar for many years. While employed as a federal probation officer, I wrote hundreds of pre-sentence reports to assist federal judges in making fair and appropriate sentencing decisions. I've written short stories and poetry for publication, and I've helped write policy and procedure manuals for various government offices.

Organizations
National Association of Retired Federal Employees Writers Guild of America Professional Women's Assoc.

Publications
"Journal of Juvenile and Family Courts," 1978. "International Library of Poetry," 2003.

Education/Credentials
I have an M.A, Degree in Sociology, and I minored in English.

Awards and Honors
I received three meritorious quality step awards for excellence during my career as a federal probation officer. I was also a nominee for National Probation Officer of the Year in 1986. I am listed in the 1998 edition of "Who's Who in Professions."

Past/Present Clients
California County and State government Federal government Various School Districts Los Rio Community College District Readers' Digest

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