Changing Last Name

[Manna]

I'm really not sure which forum to post this in, so mod's, please move it as you see fit!

A good friend of mine recently had her fiance pass away. It was very tragic and she has been rather traumatized by it. Well, her wishes now are to change her last name to his in honor of him. It's really not something that I would do, but it's not my decision.

Regardless, I told her that I would look into what it would take to change her last name and then realized that I have no idea where to look! Does anyone have any information? Is it even possible to change your last name simply because you feel like it? Any information would be helpful, even if it's just to point me to a website! If state laws make any difference, we live on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

Thanks so much.
Anna

 

[msjones21]

I'm sorry for you friend's loss; however, in my most humble opinion she should keep her maiden name. Since she wasn't married to this man she may never have the much needed closure if she has his name.

I think you can change your name to whatever you like, it just depends on the state. Here is a great website with some information your friend may find useful.

http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/changename/changenameFULL.html

 

[enslow]

If my fiancee had changed her last name in honor of a former boyfriend/fiancee, I probably wouldn't be her fiancee. She should consider a future husband's feelings on this, unless she has no intentions of marrying.

Enslow

 

[katelyn]

If it were my friend, I would suggest that she give herself some time to grieve, heal, and to be able to put thought into whether that's what she really wants to do. I'm sure it seems like a good idea to her now...truthfully, if I were in her position I probably would have thought of it also...but she may regret it later. She needs to grieve, but she also needs to give herself the freedom to one day move on.

 

[mamaneenie]

If it were my friend, I would suggest that she give herself some time to grieve, heal, and to be able to put thought into whether that's what she really wants to do. I'm sure it seems like a good idea to her now...truthfully, if I were in her position I probably would have thought of it also...but she may regret it later. She needs to grieve, but she also needs to give herself the freedom to one day move on.

I agree.

I wouldn't change my name if I was in that situation. She wasn't married to him.

 

[Manna]

Yes, and thank you for those replies. As I stated in my OP, it's not something I would do, and she and I are discussing it, but she's not asking for advice on the issue, she's asking for information. I do appreciate your input and your concern, and thank you so very much, msjones! I'll be sure to check out that site.

 

[stubbornkelly]

Sure, you can change your name for whatever reason you want. In theory, you don't have to file any forms to do it, common law usage is enough. But practically speaking, she'd need to get a court order, then make application to the state of Mississippi. http://www.msbml.state.ms.us/namechange.htm

 

[Manna]

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated!

 

[Mrs K 2004]

I would advise your friend to take some time to greive, maybe talk to professionals! But I would not personally advise the name change! Because it may limit her ability to move on in the future!

I am sorry for her loss! How horrible!

 

[desi]

I know a girl who named her first born, out of wedlock-not the dead fiancee's, after a dead fiancee.