LW2: What's with this guy? Can't he come up with his own name? I'd recommend he wait until he turns 21 to make the change for two reasons: 1) he'll have a little more time to think about the change and a name choice and 2) It's possible the state will require him to be that age to make the decision. I do think he should discuss the situation with his parents. If his mom would be unhappy about his "losing" the name of the person he's named after, perhaps he could make it his middle name and just use the initial. If it's both the first and middle name that his mom used, perhaps he could hyphenate them and still keep them as a middle name. It would certainly be unusual but I don't think it would be a huge problem. I agree about the problems his dad might have if the lw takes that name. But I disagree with the advice that he simply use his new name for awhile before making it legal. That could lead to other problems. People could judge him as being dishonest or just plain weird especially if he takes his old name back or chooses another name after awhile. He should take his time to choose a name. There are plenty of sites on the internet and books that help with name choices. And he should go the legal route to make sure there are few if any adverse repercussions. It would show people that he's not trying to hide anything.

The poem "What makes a Dad" was written by me, Mary Bethke a month ago for my father for fathers day I posted it on my bloggs, facebook, and myspace and I just wanted the world to know who wrote it so my friends, family, and church don't think I lied.

The poem "What makes a Dad" was written by me, Mary Bethke a month ago for my father for fathers day I posted it on my bloggs, facebook, and myspace and I just wanted the world to know who wrote it so my friends, family, and church don't think I lied.