Hyphenated name

What is the name of your state? Maryland

I have searched on the internet for info on hyphenated names. My daughters have their biological fathers' last name. I do not want to remove his name or change it completely but merely hyphenate it. The biological father has visits every other weekend and pays child support and we have very good communication except when it comes to this matter. I have since remarried and I do not want my husband to adopt them but they are at that age where they ask why my last name is different and why are their other siblings different as well. I explain the best way I can and then their response is their last name with mine added to theirs. Is their anything I can do or should I just leave it as it is?? Advice only please. Any negative comments should be left unsaid. Thank you!

Dawson

[kat1963]

Dawson, I'd leave it alone. Just my 2 cents here, but I hyphenated my name for 12 years. It was just one great big PITA. It didn't fit on forms...other things. The kids are old enough to know they have another father then their siblings and that's just the way it is. And lets face it, it's pretty dern common these days...sadly enough. In addition, he can fight you on it, then things will probably have to be changed back..more confusion, more paperwork. It's just not worth it. My son always had a different last name then mine. The only problem that ever came up was the teachers ect. calling Mrs. H instead of Mrs. T...what the heck, I answered to both. Life is hard enough without having to fight small battles.
Just my thoughts on the subject, I leave it with you.
KAT

I think I will just leave it the way it is. I have the same problem with teachers and doctors etc.... Maybe it is better in the long run. They are girls anyhow so in the future it is sure to change again anyway! Thanks so much for your advice. Have a great day!