Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Last name controversy for an adult

Hey...Does anyone know if it is okay for me to use my boyfriend's last name here and there when I feel like it? We live together. He has custody of his kids, me of mine and I sometimes use his last name since my legal name doesn't match my kids' name anyway. His ex is having a fit saying that I'm trying to be her kids mom, but I just enjoying using his name even though we aren't married yet. I use it for things that aren't legally requiring a legal name anyway. Like...signing up for a room mom party, being the my daughter and his daughter's coach, signing up our girls for extra curriculars and such. I sometimes get some mail to me with his last name. Is it really such a big deal as long as it's not anything important like credit cards, driver license,etc. The only one complaining seems to be his ex wife. My boyfriend's mom gave us his name when we had placecards at their anniversary party. I call his mom and dad mom and dad too. I know this is weird but does anyone know any ''rules'' or ''laws'' on this. Can I continue to call myself what I want too as long as I'm using my legal name when necessary?


Asked on 8/26/05, 10:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: Last name controversy for an adult

There is nothing wrong with having an alias, and that is what it is. However, signing his children up for extra curicular activities can mislead the people in charge that you have the power to give permission for health care, and other things, in the event one of the children gets hurt. Many people will look upon it as a type of fraud, and there could be criminal charges. It is best if you used your name, or marry your boyfriend.

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Answered on 8/27/05, 9:22 am


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