regard@ttidcc.UUCP (Adrienne Regard) (08/27/85)
When I married (in Washington State), I kept my own name (for the simplicity of school records) but used my then-husband's name professionally (it had a better sound with my first name). The school ended up changing my name FOR me, so I had to change it BACK, and the social security/IRS people accepted the name change without a blink (or a form). When we divorced, in California, I kept my married name (it still has a better sound), and my daughter had the same last name (his). However, now that I'm working on the next kid, we are going to give it the (different man) father's last name (we aren't married) in the interest of equality -- one parent and child each per last name. The schools will have to sort this one out. They currently have us listed as Mr and Ms MY-LAST-NAME. The kids will also have to become comfortable with the idea of having individualized names. I don't think it will harm their little psyches. I also changed my legal name (first and middle) just by telling the DMV when I got my license that I'd been confirmed under the new name (California) and that was o.k. with them. I've never had a hitch in 15 years. Many people don't realize it, but it is perfectly legal for children to take EITHER parent's name at birth (whether the parents are married or not). There is no REQUIREMENT that I know of that indicates what name must be used. Adrienne Regard