Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida

Hello,

Is it possible to have 2 legal names? My current last name is my Dad's, and it's been my legal name since birth (I'm now in my 50s), however, my Dad's family was from Portugal (not Brazil) and as a result our last name has created constant confusion as to it's origin, with many considering it Hispanic in nature (my last name ends with an "s" and the Hispanic spelling of the same last name ends with a "z").

Unfortunately, even though we are all American-born (except our Dad (deceased), who was born in Portugal but came through Ellis Island after World War I), over the years the use of my Dad's last name has resulted in several instances of discrimination, particularly when applying for employment (however, that's not the reason for this question), and because of that I've decided to use the English interpretation of my middle name which is very "plain" in every aspect. In addition, my older brother, being married for many years, legally changed his last name about 5 years ago to his wife's Italian-origin last name, for the same reasons mentioned earlier.

I've always been comfortable with our Dad's last name, however, after my brother's legal name change, I'm now the last person on my Dad's side of the family with his family's name (I never married), so when I pass away so will the name.

And, as you know the current immigration climate has become so tense that I've begun to worry about my own safety when it concerns any misunderstanding of the origins of my last name (per the precedence set by the "Arizona" law and it possible future enactment in other states), and is yet another reason for my question at this time.

However - I realize the extensive amount of leg work involved in changing everything to reflect the new last name, and would like to know - is there a way for me to retain my Dad's last name as a legal name, and have a second legal last name, which would still use my first name, but as a last name use the English interpretation of my middle name?

Thanks for your help!

Peter


Asked on 4/27/10, 8:07 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
John Harmon The Law Office of John W. Harmon

You are only allowed one legal name.

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Answered on 5/02/10, 1:01 pm
Lesly Longa Longa Law P.A.

You can only have one legal name. I understand and share your concerns, but it is good to be proud of where we came from - almost all Americans are descendants of immigrants and this is Florida, not Arizona. I suggest you file the paperwork to have you name changed if you are certain that's what you want. It's not that complicated and an attorney can handle it for you. Regards,

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Answered on 5/04/10, 2:20 pm


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