Today was my first time ever in a courtroom. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. Granted, this isn't the trial of the century or the O.J. Simpson case, but it's important to me. Today I'm officially getting my name changed.
My lawyer briefed me before our appearance before the judge. "Is she going to ask me why I'm doing this and what should I really tell her," I asked my lawyer. "Just be honest. I know this judge and I don't think she's one of those conservatives who'll give us any problems," my lawyer told me. "I've never had a petition like this denied."
We marched into the huge courtroom. The only people there were my lawyer, myself, the judge and the bailiff. "So, Mr. Lindsay, why are you changing your name," the judge asks. "Well your honor, my partner and I are expecting twins in a few weeks. We decided that we would like our children to carry his surname," I told her, hoping that would be sufficient. "And why is that?" she smilingly asked. I didn't really want to go into too many details about India, surrogacy, the fact that Americans get confused by hyphenated last names, or that if we kept our separate names one of us would forever be the "real" father in the minds of many. "I wanted both my partner and myself to give something equally important to our children. I've already contributed their DNA. Now I would like my partner to contribute his last name. Both are gifts from each of us that they can carry throughout their lives." With that she smiled, granted the name change and wished me luck.
Now if I can just get used to being called Mr. Guzman.
My lawyer briefed me before our appearance before the judge. "Is she going to ask me why I'm doing this and what should I really tell her," I asked my lawyer. "Just be honest. I know this judge and I don't think she's one of those conservatives who'll give us any problems," my lawyer told me. "I've never had a petition like this denied."
We marched into the huge courtroom. The only people there were my lawyer, myself, the judge and the bailiff. "So, Mr. Lindsay, why are you changing your name," the judge asks. "Well your honor, my partner and I are expecting twins in a few weeks. We decided that we would like our children to carry his surname," I told her, hoping that would be sufficient. "And why is that?" she smilingly asked. I didn't really want to go into too many details about India, surrogacy, the fact that Americans get confused by hyphenated last names, or that if we kept our separate names one of us would forever be the "real" father in the minds of many. "I wanted both my partner and myself to give something equally important to our children. I've already contributed their DNA. Now I would like my partner to contribute his last name. Both are gifts from each of us that they can carry throughout their lives." With that she smiled, granted the name change and wished me luck.
Now if I can just get used to being called Mr. Guzman.
ahhh beautiful post! congrats on the name change x
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME, congrats you brought tears to my eyes, now if our shallow contry can give us the same rights as others
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, wonderful idea. I changed my name, its quite a confusing identity change :-) x
ReplyDeleteI not only changed my last name, I also changed my first name (my hubby & I both had the same first name). It will take getting used to. Practice your signature; you'll get looks when someone watches you sign the wrong name. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, what a big step - a big beautiful step on your way to becoming a family! Meg xxx
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Mr. Guzman! We're probably going to hyphenate our last names. We toyed with the idea of merging our names together (Keidun?), but we're both pretty attached to our names.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's wonderful and kind of romantic even that you're taking his name. Obviously this will make life so much easier down the road to avoid some of the private questions from others on the history of your family, but the other reason is very sweet.
Congrats on your new name, Guzzy!
What a lovely idea, of course you two are already a family, but I am love the idea that all of you will share the same last name. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mr Guzman! I think it is so lovely that you have done that.....it is getting very exciting isnt it...all this change but all for good ! xxx mel
ReplyDeleteMr. Guzman it has a nice ring.... Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWell said and our approach also. Not the easiest decision but we loved that it allowed each of us to make a different but equally important contribution to our child's identity.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in the coming weeks....
YAY!!! I love this post!!! What a beautiful thought to give to your children. Something from each of you. Love it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Allen legally changed his name too. He actually went to my dad and him asked first, then told me!
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