Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Confused about my soon to be identity
I am about to get married. My maiden name is--name removed-- My husband to be's last name is Greene. I have a daughter whose last name is--name removed--(she's from a previous relationship). I have no doubt that I want to take his last name. However, I want to keep my given middle name Lillian. But I'm also inclined to drop Lillian in favor of my maiden name for my daughter's sake. Will keeping--name removed--in my legal name benefit my daughter at all? I am getting child support from her father, who is not aware that I'm getting married.
Also, I wanted to know what governs officially changing your name. Is it changing your driver's license? Your social security card? As you can see, I am totally confused? Is possible to keep using my given middle name on everyday documents, and putting my maiden name on my driver's license and social security card? Please, please advise!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Confused about my soon to be identity
You can choose to use any combination of names you want--but it would avoid confusion to be consistent. I don't think it should make any difference to your daughter or to your rights arising from your former marriage. If you are torn between your given name and your former married name as a middle name, why not use both? As for what makes the name official, there may be a place on the marriage license where you indicate what name you will be known by after marriage, and of course you'll have to change your driver's license and other important documents.
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