Adult legal name change

[Sr5jcp]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arkansas. I want to legally change my last name. I went to court, payed the 165 dollar filing fee and met with the judge. The reasoning I put down on the paperwork was "to match my longterm partners last name" The judge told me he's never changed anyone's last name for that reason and that I should just get married if I wanted it changed for that reason. (For personal beliefs I do not believe in marriage) I have been with my boyfriend for 6 years and our son has his last name and I would like for all of our last names to be the same. I left with no answer as the judge told me he'd look into it before making a decision. I left in tears as he pretended to look through books to see if my reasoning was ok for a name change. I am not hiding or in any legal trouble and feel very upset and like it is my right to change name to whatever I want. If, this judge comes back and tells me no do I have the right to appeal this? Isn't it my right to change my name to whatever I want?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arkansas. I want to legally change my last name. I went to court, payed the 165 dollar filing fee and met with the judge. The reasoning I put down on the paperwork was "to match my longterm partners last name" The judge told me he's never changed anyone's last name for that reason and that I should just get married if I wanted it changed for that reason. (For personal beliefs I do not believe in marriage) I have been with my boyfriend for 6 years and our son has his last name and I would like for all of our last names to be the same. I left with no answer as the judge told me he'd look into it before making a decision. I left in tears as he pretended to look through books to see if my reasoning was ok for a name change. I am not hiding or in any legal trouble and feel very upset and like it is my right to change name to whatever I want. If, this judge comes back and tells me no do I have the right to appeal this? Isn't it my right to change my name to whatever I want?

It is up to the judge's discretion. Wait and see what the judge orders before you worry too much.

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arkansas. I want to legally change my last name. I went to court, payed the 165 dollar filing fee and met with the judge. The reasoning I put down on the paperwork was "to match my longterm partners last name" The judge told me he's never changed anyone's last name for that reason and that I should just get married if I wanted it changed for that reason. (For personal beliefs I do not believe in marriage) I have been with my boyfriend for 6 years and our son has his last name and I would like for all of our last names to be the same. I left with no answer as the judge told me he'd look into it before making a decision. I left in tears as he pretended to look through books to see if my reasoning was ok for a name change. I am not hiding or in any legal trouble and feel very upset and like it is my right to change name to whatever I want. If, this judge comes back and tells me no do I have the right to appeal this? Isn't it my right to change my name to whatever I want?

This is from Arkansas's Legal Aid service, and the implication is that although it's usually approved the judge actually does have the authority to deny the change.

http://www.arlegalservices.org/system/files/FSNamechangeDirections.pdf

When you get a decision, come back and let us know.

 

[RRevak]

The only reason I can see a judge holding back is the idea OP may attempt to hold herself out as married while not actually being married. Its a stretch, but its Arkansas after all.