I see a lot of comments saying people want to have the same last name as their kids. I totally understand the emotional/sentimental reasons for why. My question is what PRACTICAL (non sentimental) issues does having different last names really create for families?
The only one I can think of is at customs and immigration. We might have to bring notarized consent forms or a copy of birth certificate to prove we are the child’s parents. Parents seem to report they always pack those with their travel docs but are rarely asked for them. That seems a pretty easy fix. Are there any other situations where this might be an issue?
Both my mom and my fiancé’s mom kept their own names upon marriage. Growing up, I never had a single instance where having a diff last name as my mom caused an issue. It was never an issue at school, doctors offices, or airports. My mom always signed all the permission slips and medical stuff and accompanied my on doctor appts and took me alone on international flights. I didn’t even consider different last names being a potential issue until I read comments on here. My future MIL also said she doesn’t remember having a diff last name as my fiancé causing issues either. I’m kind of scratching my head here trying to figure out realistically what problems we might face with kids.
Both FH and I are keeping our own names. We haven’t finalized the decision yet, but most likely we give FH’s surname to potential future kids as it’s very unique. we’ll likely give them my last name as a middle name as a way for the kids have both our names. Has this been how other couples have done to deal with potential complications?
