Legal Question in Family Law in Oregon

Re: Name usage

Question: When I am legally bound to use my first and last name? I'm considering using my middle name as my first name. When is it okay to do that and when must I use my legal first name?

Answer: You can use a name other than your legal name anytime you want, so long as you are not doing so for purposes of perpetrating fraud on creditors. Also, you generally must use your legal name in your dealings with the government (e.g., obtaining gov�t benefits like welfare or Social Security, voting, being in the military service, getting arrested, getting married, testifying under oath, etc.).