Questions about "other names used" for I-130

[metinspain 0]

Here's a weird situation I could use some help with...

I was adopted by my ex-stepdad at the age of 12 when my mother got re-married. Even though they are now divorced, I have always kept and used his surname, and it is listed on my birth certificate. (A stupid, stupid situation since I have NO contact with this man whatsoever...but I digress.) The only name I have used my entire adult life since age 12 has been that surname...I don't even know if any records exist anywhere with my original (biological father's) surname on them anymore!! I guess I don't know whether to flag this name change on form I-130 or not, since my birth certificate and all legal documents in my adult life do match. Will the Dept. of Homeland Security even care about a name I only used until age 12??

This leads me to my specific questions on form I-130:

1) Under section B. 7. "Other Names Used - Including Maiden Name," is it important to call out my name as it appeared until age 12?

2) Do I need to include my married surname in that space, too? I have been using my married name on emails, my resume, etc., but we've only been married 3 weeks and I have NOT legally changed it yet.

3) If I do need to explain my adopted name change on the form, how do you recommend that I document this in the application? Should I include a separate letter as an attachment in the application packet to clarify that this name was changed due to adoption and not a previous marriage? I can produce an adoption decree along with the application.

Maybe I am over-thinking this, but it is a weird situation. I feel strange calling out a name that hasn't been used since childhood. Any tips based on your experience?

Thanks!

[germangel 0]

Hi,

I haven't been adopted myself but my half-sister was adopted by my dad. When she got married, my dad's last name was listed as "maiden name". so in documents, it says that her birth name was this new one.

You could clarify the name of your biological father but I don't think you need to.

You might wanna put your married name there though, if you are going to change it and if you use it on emails and resumes. Can't hurt you at all.

Sorry, I couldn't be of better help

[john_and_marlene 162]

Here's a weird situation I could use some help with...

I was adopted by my ex-stepdad at the age of 12 when my mother got re-married. Even though they are now divorced, I have always kept and used his surname, and it is listed on my birth certificate. (A stupid, stupid situation since I have NO contact with this man whatsoever...but I digress.) The only name I have used my entire adult life since age 12 has been that surname...I don't even know if any records exist anywhere with my original (biological father's) surname on them anymore!! I guess I don't know whether to flag this name change on form I-130 or not, since my birth certificate and all legal documents in my adult life do match. Will the Dept. of Homeland Security even care about a name I only used until age 12??

This leads me to my specific questions on form I-130:

1) Under section B. 7. "Other Names Used - Including Maiden Name," is it important to call out my name as it appeared until age 12?

2) Do I need to include my married surname in that space, too? I have been using my married name on emails, my resume, etc., but we've only been married 3 weeks and I have NOT legally changed it yet.

3) If I do need to explain my adopted name change on the form, how do you recommend that I document this in the application? Should I include a separate letter as an attachment in the application packet to clarify that this name was changed due to adoption and not a previous marriage? I can produce an adoption decree along with the application.

Maybe I am over-thinking this, but it is a weird situation. I feel strange calling out a name that hasn't been used since childhood. Any tips based on your experience?

Thanks!

I was adopted at age 9 and my birth certificate was amended to show my stepfather's name on the BC.

I then legally changed my name back to the original when I was 18 and recently had my BC amended to show my original name.

I put my adopted name in the other names used box and attached a copy of the court order changing my name to the original. I also attached a statement explaining the adoption, legal name change, and amendments to my BC. I did not provide a copy of the Adoption.

- John -