Last name change after marriage and legality questions?

The change of last name after marriage is not legally obligatory on any woman at least in India. The woman can continue with her maiden name for all purposes as it’s her right to do so. The change of last name by bringing the name of the husband or his surname is done just to identify herself as his wife nothing more. There are instance where after marriage the woman only add the surname of her husband to her full previous name as you can do in your case as "Annie Smith Wilson" or in some cases the married woman doesn't change the name at all officially however she is being addressed with her new surname which is that of her husband as in your case you continue officially the actual maiden name "Annie Smith" but in relatives & friends etc you may be called as "Annie Wilson". As far education certificates & degrees are concerned these are in maiden name from schooling till the university studies which may continues even after marriage. The name under which the person started his education from school will only be recognized as the name for the continued studies till any level, the question of changing the name in the certificates or degrees is not done as that can confuse the identity of the person & his or her educational achievement which is mentioned in the certificates & degrees. In your case you may have changed your surname/last name in various records but for the purpose of education only your maiden name continues. You can have a proof of change of name attached along with education certificates/degrees when you have to use these for any purpose just to identify that although you changed your surname/last name but these certificates/degrees belong to you only & no one else. There are now certain educational institutes which attach the photograph of the candidate who has obtained the certificate/degree to further identify the doent with him /her.