Sexist Bankers

Our banks and other institutions in the auld sod have never had an issue with putting our joint property in our joint names. Here in France I have struggled, it seems unsucessfully to have my name put on even our joint bank account.

Well it puts M et Mme John SMITH. I have explained to them numerous times, that I still have the name I was born with,
that I grew up with,
that I earned my degree and master's degree with,
that I climbed my career ladder with,
that I earned my professional reputation with
and I intend to keep it despite the best efforts of the french banking system.

There is also the fact that Mme John SMITH does not exist and never existed...she has no passport, no driving licence...rien. Despite these rantings today I go to collect my new cheque book and find it remains in the M ou Mme John SMITH. I mention again...that I have no ID and never sign myself by this name...and they explain that joint accounts are always in the husbands name I rather jovially (I think) said "liberté, EGALITÉ, fraternité are french fundamentals non? But not for wives it seems ....Grrrrrrrrrrr

16.11.08
Just wanted to update this post with my car insurance experience.
My car is registered in my name. And whilst completing the direct debit for the insurance payments, I mentioned jovially my problems with the bank...so he goes back into the file and chances my name to Mrs John SMITH.
I have to go back and deal with the bank before I have to change my name for real!!!!!!!!