Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

Name used since age 7 is not legal name on Birth Certificate

I need identification to get my drivers license reinstated. I have a birth certificate in the name: George Michael Cullen. At age 7 my mother remarried Arnold--name removed--and registered all her children in school as --name removed-- not Cullen. In junior HS I got a SS card in the name--name removed-- In 1967 I entered the Navy as--name removed--.. a note was made on the record, I believe. All my adult life I have used a name that is not ''legal''. My mother's children by her first marriage were never legally adopted though it was discussed. I am now 55 years old. I do not have a passport or Military ID (unless the VA can provide some record that is acceptable, as I am not an active member of the armed services). I don't know where to start to get this straightened out so I can have a license and drive and try to get employment.


Asked on 9/26/05, 5:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Autry Jones Jones & Landers, Attorneys At Law

Re: Name used since age 7 is not legal name on Birth Certificate

In Tennessee as long as the name change is not to avoid criminal prosecution or creditors, it's perfectly legal to change your name .... though only the statutory procedure and a court order can get the State of Tennessee to reissue a new birth certificate with the new name. I can help 423 266-4855

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Answered on 9/27/05, 9:26 pm


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