Name Change: After Adoption Should You Change Your Child's Name
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to change your child’s name after adoption. Here are some things to think about:
1. The child’s preference: If the child is old enough to express an opinion, it is important to consider their feelings about a name change. Even if you have always dreamed of giving your child a particular name, it is important to respect their wishes if they prefer to keep their current name.
2. The child’s relationships: If the child has a strong relationship with their birth family or has a significant attachment to their current name, it may be beneficial to keep their name. Changing the child’s name could cause confusion and may disrupt these important relationships.
3. Practical considerations: Changing a child’s name can be a complex and time-consuming process. You will need to file legal paperwork and notify government agencies, schools, and other organizations of the change. It is important to consider whether the benefits of changing the child’s name outweigh the time and effort required to make the change.
4. Your motivations: It is important to consider your motivations for wanting to change your child’s name. Are you doing it for the child’s benefit, or are you doing it to make the adoption feel more “official”? It is important to be honest with yourself about your motivations and to make sure that your decision is in the best interests of the child.
Ultimately, the decision to change your child’s name after adoption is a personal one that should be made with the child’s best interests in mind. It is important to consider all of the factors above and to have open and honest discussions with the child and any other relevant parties before making a decision.
