Should I make it legal? comments please :)

General Name Discussion
1

I took a new nickname a few months ago which I’ve been going by exclusively when I meet new people. I feel great about it and feel that my nickname captures (lighter & fun name) my personality much better than my full name (more serious).

I’d like to change my name legally so my nickname becomes my middle name, just to sort of legitimize it a bit more and to have the simple answer “it’s my middle name” when people ask, “Why do you go by that now?”

I know about the legal process to change it, which doesn’t seem like a deal-killer. I’m more concerned with the paperwork changes after - credit card, insurance, bank, social security, etc. I’m in my early 40’s, btw.

Comments from those who have done this?

PS - maybe it doesn’t seem entirely necessary to do the legal change, but I really like the idea of making it legal. It will seem more real to me that I made this change. Plus, like I said before, it really makes me happy!

Thanks,
Sh@nnon [name]Lynn[/name] Lastname, possible legally changing to Sh@nnon S@lly Lastname

2

I know of someone who did a legal name change similar to what you’re planning - [name]Abby[/name] at Appellation Mountain (you can read her story here, and there’s a contact form at the bottom of the page if you’re interested). The legal procedure (and cost) varies greatly from state to state so she may not be of much help there, but she may have tips on handling the other aspects of getting people to call you by a different name, etc. If you’ve changed your last name before because of marriage the paperwork changes should be similar (but they may be more unfamiliar with handing a change of given name).

3

I’ve legally changed my name, it’s not that hard to switch everything over to your new name, you just have to make sure to send a copy or fax of your name change to credit card and insurance companies, banks, etc. It’s easy, it just can be a pain in the butt if you have a lot of things in your name.