When adopting a child in USA is the choice of last name of the child open?

Question

Can the child keep their original last name? Does the child have to take that of the adoptive parent(s)?

Thanks

Answer 1

If what the other answerers are saying is true, that a child can keep their original last name if that's chosen where does that leave the 'privacy' myth of the bmother that the adoption industry keeps telling us they must have

Oh, the hypocrisy of the system

Answer 2

Generally, there is an option to chaneg teh child's name, but it doesn;t HAVE to be done.

Answer 3

As others have stated, at the time of finalization, you are asked what name you wish the child to have.  You can change any part of their name at that time or leave it as is.

Answer 4

In most states, you can give your child any last name you wish - no matter if they're adopted or biological.  In some states, the child must have the last name of either the mother or the father - so I would imagine in those states the adopted child's name must be changed.  However, what would be the point of leaving the last name the same?  Are you adopting a teenager?

Answer 5

Yes, it is open

Answer 6

When the adoption is finalized, it is entirely up to the adoptive parents to name the child his or her first and middle name, and the last name is of course, theirs.  The exceptions?  Many adoptive parents honor their child's birthmother by keeping the name she gave the baby, or making it a middle name, or working it in somehow.  Another exception, is when the child is older.  Most of the time this first name (and/or middle) is kept, to respect how difficult it would be for the child to have a different name.  However, some children want a different name, and are given that choice as well.  The original birth certificate has the name the birthmother gives the baby at birth (if she does) and the second birth certificate has the name the child will have, as well as their new last name. This is done to make it easier for the child to have the same name as his/her parents in school, at the doctor, and also to respect the privacy of the birthmother/father.