QUESTION
Does a person with a hyphenated last name always have to use both names on legal documents?
Asked on Sep 10th, 2013 on Estate Planning - Michigan
3 ANSWERS
Business Planning Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Frederick & Frederick Attorneys at Law
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You should always use your legal name when signing legal documents. If you do not, you could later be accused of fraud. In most cases, it is not going to make a difference. You do not want any confusion as to whether or not it is you, however.
Answered on Sep 11th, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Municipal Law Attorney serving Paw Paw, MI
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Mark A. Manning, P.C.
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No. if you signature is made with intent that it represent your signature it is a binding attestation. Note folks with scribble handwriting. It still binds them.
Answered on Sep 11th, 2013 at 11:18 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Southfield, MI
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Law Offices of Ezra N. Goldman P.C.
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That's an interesting question. It depends how the person got a hyphenated last name in the first place. Some people just choose to use both names but some officially change their names to a hyphenated name when they get married. Whatever is the legal name is the one that must be used on legal documents.
Answered on Sep 11th, 2013 at 10:48 AM