Legal Question in Family Law in Montana

Re: Name change vs. Adult Adoption

the first and foremost question is as to the purpose for which you wish to change your name.

is it simply for the love of your step father or whether he wish to make you his heir?

if the reason is solely for the love, a simple change in the name would be sufficient. and for that purpose, the formalities regarding the change of name only will have to be done.

however, if the reason for the change is to become the legal heir of the step father is concerned, in that case, the procedure of adoption will have to be resorted.

but if you wish to circumvent the lengthy process of adoption, then, u can simply change your name, and your step father may execute a will in your favour, or if desires to transfer the property in your favour in his life time,he may do so by way of simply transfer of property.

Re: Name change vs. Adult Adoption

Stepson can call himself whatever he wants as long as he isn't trying to defraud anyone or evade creditors. However, merely changing his last name will not "legally make us all family."

To �legally make us all family,� Stepfather can petition the district court for an order of adoption. As part of that procedure, Stepfather can request the court to change Stepson�s name to

Stepfather�s name, and Stepson can concur.

Re: Name change vs. Adult Adoption

In FL if all parties are adults and consenting this is a fairly routine proceedure, the filing fee is about $256 and can be done in a relatively timely fashion. Don't forget, him getting adopted will not change YOUR name. You will still have to do a name change. The adoption is a good idea if the intention is to make him the legal heir. The property, if there is any, can also be conveyed pre-death so the father can enjoy the son using it, and can keep a life estate for himself if he chooses.