what should I do about my last name?

Question

My parents got divorced when I was three, and I ended up living with my mom from then on. Everyone knows me by my mom's last name instead of my dad's, because my mom notified every school I've been to about what I should be called, and since she paid for my schooling, they didn't have a problem. (My social security card has my dad's last name on it, and my passport has both.) I explained to people what my dad's last name is, but it's more difficult to pronounce and doesn't sound as good as my mom's last name, so I was continued to be known that way, and that was pretty much fine with me. I'm going to college in the fall, and my dad has told me over and over again that he wants me to start fresh and change my name. It would be a pretty strange change for me. I feel like my parents should have resolved the situation themselves. I don't know what to do.

Answer 1

Choose the name that you like and don't be pressured by anybody. If tradition and connection are important to you, sounds like you might want to keep the name you have been using. Now (as you move into a new environment) will be the easiest to make a change if you are so inclined. I suggest that it is easier to have one formal identity on passport, drivers license, and social security account. Having the same last name also on credit cards and check books will make life easier. One more thing: having a first name that is not gender specific has some advantages.

Answer 2

My parents are divorced as well and know what your situation is, I personally go by my father's last name, but if you prefer your mom's I would go to the Social Securities office and talk to someone there about what you can do about it. May have to go to a court office to get it legally changed, im not sure. But do not let your parents decide for you, you are your own person and have the right to be called whatever you want.

Answer 3

It's your name, it should be your decision.

My son is 12; his father and I have been divorced for almost 6 years. He has his father's name, at least in part because he's the third. He wants to change his name to mine, and I have told him that it's his decision, but I won't do anything about changing it until he's at least 14.

Point is, if you're going to college, you should decide what your name is. Your parents have their feelings about it, but they don't have to live with it the way you do.

Good luck with college, and the decision.

Answer 4

Go by the name on your birth certificate and social security card. Your parents felt different on the day they gave you your name. Your name should be a small reminder of the happiness they shared at one time, and that would help them to communicate at a beter level. Honor "their" decision on the day you were born regardless how they feel now.

Answer 5

Get rid of your name and start over. Put all the names you like in a hat and then draw them out. The first 3 are your new name (that is what I would do).

Answer 6

I think it sounds like you already decided considering you like the sound of your mom's name when its attached to your last name... though it 'sounding right' is likely due to you always having used it. Do what is best for you and don't feel guilty either way. Good luck!

Answer 7

first of all going to college is a fresh start no matter what your last name is, secondly the only person who can choose your name is you, so choose the one you like-or just deciede to get a completly different name, there is no right or wrong answer-its just asking yourself what you want to be called

Answer 8

I've changed my name more than once. Pick what YOU like and get it legally changed on ALL documents. Good luck in school.

Answer 9

Change you're last name to something totally different, like Huckleberry-Himuhito, or Von Tinklebits.

Answer 10

You could change your legal last name to your mothers last name, and solve all your problems.