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BACKGROUND: I recently (in my late middle age) found out that I was adopted by my adoptive father when I was five years old. So I've filled out every legal document using my adopted name, because I didn't know anything else.

But that raised an interesting question. On many forms, it asks for "other names used" (like on DS11 for a US Passport). Now that I know my birth name has been used, should I put my birth name in that field?

My gut level says to not worry about it, since I've gone this long not knowing this. But the law doesn't go by gut feelings.

As I said, every current legal document shows my adoptive name: birth certificate, social security, selective service, passport, drivers license, etc.

However, both my original birth certificate (via open records laws) and my US Census verification show a different birth name, so I can verify it has been "used", albeit not by me.

QUESTION: Does the issuance of an amended birth certificate showing the adoptive name of a child adopted at a young age preclude or prevent any legal requirement to list a birth name as having been "used" when applying much later for other official documents such as a passport?

Michael Hall
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Patrick Gardella
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At the young age you were adopted, did you ever have a thought that your adoptive father might not be your biological father? Did anyone tell you back then you were adopted? If they had I doubt you would have understood what that meant. Did you personally use your biological father's name at any time?

I'm thinking, let's say your name is Mark Polon and the kids called you by a nickname, 'Marko Polo' in fun. I'm sure whatever form was asking for other names used wasn't/isn't looking for nicknames you went by in school although you may have signed school yearbooks that way for fun.

I'm only guessing what they want are other names you used as an adult so they can investigate you further. They can then check for multiple SS cards or other documents issued to you under all names you might tell them you used. I think they may be looking for fraud rather than someone not telling them about a surname never used.

I wouldn't worry about this if you never used another surname yet you are the one who has to live with whatever you do in this life.

So what if you were adopted and you didn't know it? You had nothing to do with what happened. I didn't have parents in my life for most of it. Actually, I didn't know what the word 'parents' meant when I was growing up. I didn't know much of anything due to falling from a garage roof and a car accident when I was about 5. I grew to be a very angry kid and when I finally knew who my mother was I gave her a very hard time and feel badly about this at times and I am guilty of hurting her feelings more than once and she has been gone many years.

Priscilla Ross-Fox
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