Q: Dear Scott – I must make a major decision in the next year. What last name should appear on my son’s high school diploma? He goes by the surname of his stepfather but his legal surname is that of his biological father. His biological father unexpectedly died when he was an infant. His stepfather (my husband) is a wonderful dad and has raised him since he was three years old.
Should I hyphenate his last name and use both last names, use his legal name or use the name of his stepfather, which is what my son goes by? What are the consequences of doing each of these? My son is an only child and his biological father was also a wonderful person. I don’t think that I should burden my son with making this name decision. I haven’t discussed this with any family members. I want an outside opinion first.
Thanks
SCOTT: You absolutely need your son’s input on this since his opinion is the only one that counts. Think about it. It’s his name!
He’ll probably go by one name for life, the one he uses now but don’t assume that and don’t worry about burdening him with this decision. He’s a young adult now and the choice about what name to put on his diploma ultimately should be his.