Changing last names? (child included?)

HeavenlyExcitedBride

I am going to be filling out some divorce papers today, there is an option on the form to have my last name changed.  I was told if I do this now instead of later, the whole paperwork process is so much easier.

 I love my maiden name and would change it back in heartbeat but there is one thing that is stopping me from that.  I want the same name as my son. My married name is not a name I am proud of nor is it a nice name. 

I wonder if I changed it to my maiden name hyphened my married name, if I can only use the first part and not the whole thing when I write my name? Is it a bad idea to try to change my son's last name so he has both?  The married name is very long so I hate to do that to him but I want him to know we are always connected.

 What are your thoughts?

 

PrettyInPearls23

Is your STBXH willing to change your son's name?

Ariana2O11

I don't know about changing your child's last name, but the option to change yours back to your maiden name is in the divorce paperwork. It was in one of the first documents that had to be filed with the court. So make sure you check mark that box if that's what you want to do.

HeavenlyExcitedBride

PrettyInPearls23:

Is your STBXH willing to change your son's name?

 STBXH was willing to change the middle name.. but he might for the last name since even he does not like his last name.  I think he would be open to both of our names if I fought hard for it.  I am more concern with what my son is going to think or feel if he has a different name than his mother or having too long of a name. 

If it was just me, I'd change my name in a heart beat.  But because it involves my son, I go back and forth on the name change for his sake.

alex&greg

When I split from my son's father I changed LOs name to be the same as mine. I just think it makes it easier for us and there are less questions involved. LOs dad is also not around very much, so I felt he needed a name he could connect with a family. That is just what worked best for us!

sarahsunshine777

Could I ask how the process was, paperwork and cost of changing your child's last name? Does the father have to consent? Thanks!!