Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Florida

What is the reason for hyphenating a name? How do I go about it?.

I'm 52 and ready to remarry in three weeks. I would like to know if I should hyphenate my name and how do I go about it? I have good credit and I would like to keep it that way . Should I hyphenate my name on credit card extra? I don't want to go through all the trouble in changing all my legal papers extra. Should I hyphenate my name? When I sign my marriage certificate should I hyphenate my name , then ? Also what dose hyphenating a name really mean ? Do I need an attorney to do this or should I just sign my marriage certificate hyphenating my name , would that be it? Please help, I'm very consern about this.


Asked on 4/16/01, 4:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: What is the reason for hyphenating a name? How do I go about it?.

One may use any name one wishes in the USA so long as assuming a name is not done to defraud. So, for example, if I wish to call myself "Tommy Terminator" I can do so, and I do not need a court's permission or anyone else's.

You are free to hyphenate your last names if you wish.

Changing your ID formally is another matter. I recommend against it as not only is it a major hassle, it can cause great confusion among creditors and others who should not be concerned.

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Answered on 6/12/01, 10:28 am


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