Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Re: What to do when using a non-legal name

So long as you do not use a name other than your own for illegal purposes: e.g., to commit fraud, misrepresent yourself as another, you may use such name. As you mention, there can be problems with bank accounts, owning of property, tax returns, etc. For such purposes, you can use a d/b/a (doing business as), a/k/a (also known as) to show that you have adopted the name for business purposes or other reason. Entertainers often use names different from their "legal" name. You are advised to discussed your situation and the purpose of your use of another name with an attorney who can more fully advise you.