This probably sounds like a "Genealogy For Dummies" question, but here goes: how do you handle multiple surnames for one individual? Example: Joel Richard WILLIS was born out of wedlock to Nancy Cathryn WILLIS, who married David Allen DAVIS shortly after Joel's birth. David was not the biological, adoptive, or otherwise legal father, but was "Dad" by affinity. Upon turning 18, Joel legally changed his name to Joel Richard DAVIS. A reference to Joel Richard DAVIS, even with date and place of birth, will not lead to an accurate birth certificate, will it? And searching for Joel Richard WILLIS won't produce any accurate vital statistics (or death records, in the future). I ask because Joel is my brother-in-law and I'm uncertain whether to list him as WILLIS or DAVIS. And, since we can't afford adoption, my step-children are considering the same kind of name change. Thanks in advance! Kevin Craig -- Craig Team 8 A descendent of Henry CRAIG and Mary ERWIN Researching CRAIG, ROSS, PAYTON, HICKERSON, and GRAYBEAL