Understanding Names and Their Uses
Legal Names vs. Nicknames
A legal name is the name that identifies a person for legal, administrative and other official purposes. A pseudonym is a name that someone, often a writer, uses instead of their real name. A stage name is invented for performance and is not recognized by law. Nicknames are informal substitutes for a person’s proper name, expressing affection, intimacy, trust, or are based on personality or physical attributes.
Using Nicknames Legally
You can file a petition in California Superior Court to legally adopt a nickname. If granted, you can obtain a Decree Changing Name from the clerk, which is a court order and the gold standard for name change documents. This option is available in every US state.
- Personal Preference: Whether to use a nickname professionally is a personal choice. A nickname that is a shorter version of your given name is generally acceptable in the workplace.
- Professional Identity: Your professional identity, such as how you are known on business cards or job searching strategies, may involve using your legal name, a nickname, or a combination of both.
- Online Use: Using fake names for Facebook accounts, Xbox Live, or surveys could get you arrested. However, using any name you wish on a website you create is typically alright, provided that you don’t need to use your legal name for official purposes like banking or taxation.
Document Formatting Recommendations
Most courts and lawyers recommend using a 12-point font for legal documents for readability and efficiency.
Signature Specifics
- What to Sign: Your signature does not have to be your legal name. You can use your full name, part of your name, or a nickname.
- Legal Binding: Regardless of what form it takes, as long as your signature is made consciously, it is legally binding.
Remember that the choice to use a nickname or real name is up to individual preference and context, and it is critical to consider how you wish to be identified in various situations.