On changing one's name

**MacBean** · 12th February 10, 02:47 PM

I believe that anyone can change their surname when they get married without a special court appearance, though there are other forms to sign. This provision should allow men to change their name just as easily as it allows women to change names at that time. You aren't about to get married are you?

I'd say go for it; future genealogists will love you for the confusion! Think of it this way - surnames are a relatively new invention!

**MacBean** · 12th February 10, 02:48 PM

In my state, if a man changes his name, his children's surname also changes automatically if they are underage. (an example of some possible complexities)

**Manitoban Keith** · 12th February 10, 03:10 PM

If you feel that strongly, for such an extended period of time you should change it. You are who you feel you are. If you feel a strong bond to the Kilpatrick blood in your veins, go for it!

Just be prepared to do a lot of paperwork to change it, my wife hypenated her our surnames when we married last Sept, she finally finished the paperwork two weeks ago. Were in Canada though, so maybe the process is different down there!

Slainte
Veritas Vincit

**Deil the Yin** · 14th February 10, 12:03 PM

Tobus,

I can definitely appreciate your motives for changing your surname, and would say that if the legal side (especially your engineering license in 7 states) isn't overly daunting, by all means go forward, man! Furtherto, I can feel your pain in not having done so at age 18 (see "engineering license in 7 states"). Ever has timing been my "Achilles Heel" (I can see it, I just can't do it)... Having said that, it seems that you are not too late in making the most of this honourable gesture.

Best of Luck!

Aye,
Wesley

**Tobus** · 12th February 10, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by MacBean

I believe that anyone can change their surname when they get married without a special court appearance, though there are other forms to sign. This provision should allow men to change their name just as easily as it allows women to change names at that time. You aren't about to get married are you?

I'd say go for it; future genealogists will love you for the confusion! Think of it this way - surnames are a relatively new invention!

Heh, no, I'm not about to get married. I've been married to my wife now for 12 years and that isn't changing. She and I will go and get our names changed together.

In my state, if a man changes his name, his children's surname also changes automatically if they are underage. (an example of some possible complexities)

That shouldn't be a worry. I have no children of my own at this time. Just grown step-children who carry another name anyway.

**piperdbh** · 12th February 10, 03:12 PM

You already see how much paperwork will be involved in changing your name. Since you're doing it as a tribute to the family who raised you, and whom you'd like to emulate, and not as a slap to your father, then I'd say go ahead, and let us know how it all turns out.