I figure that since Jonathan Cid is my legal name in every other nation in the world, it might as well be my legal name in Hanover, as well. You can see I have put it in my signature just in case this cannot be done, but if it can: may the Administrator of the message boards change my screename from reading CedricJGranger to reading JonathanCid
Mr. Cid,
You have actually brought a few interesting points.
The first is one of definitions. What is a legal name?
Your screename as you call it, or forum ID as We refer to it, is not your legal name. It is your government ID for purposes of allowing access to the national on-line infrastructure. Often peoples forum ID and their legal names are similar and that is a good thing, because it helps keep confusion to a minimum. But some are not, for example, the forum ID pardek is used by Daniel Dreesbach. Additionally, some citizens have the right to claim and use specific titles of honour which can result in the person being referenced in a third form which matches neither the Forum ID, nor their legal name. For example, Lord Brunswick also has the legal name of Thomas Cutterham.
So you have three possible points of reference: [list]
[*]ForumID <>
[*]Legal Name <>
[*]Titlature Name<>
[st]
That information aside, the national forums does not allow for the change of the forum ID. This is, in Our opinion, a mistake in the way the forums work at their most base level. A properly designed system would allow for such changes, but this one does not. For all the advantages it offered the Nation, this is one disadvantage.
Finally, is the legality of names as used by Hanover. Until now only citizens have been required to declare a legal name. Specifically this is to allow for proper identification on legal documents and so on. Foreigners have not needed to declare a legal name in Hanover and, indeed, their is no formal mechanism for such. Their name is determined by common use and has not legal standing in the Kingdom.
So where does all this leave you?
1) Better educated as to the nuances of identity in the Kingdom
2) Without a solution to your request
3) Possibly not having a problem after all
We have no problem with your desire to change your forum ID. If you wish to retire this one and use another, please simply let Us know by Private Message so we can disable this one. Or you may simply continue to use this one, and reference yourself by signature and other common use methods as you would like to be known in the Kingdom.
Where does this leave Us?
1) Irritated at the limitations of the forums
2) Wondering if We need an official registration for non-citizens.
Specifically, to point #2, We think that those who would conduct business or use National assets should perhaps be required to have a registered legal name.
Regards,
HM Alexander of Hanover
Here is my proposal on legal names:
1. For people that became Hanoverian citizens through naturalization: The name they were naturalized with, unless it has been legally changed.
2. For people that become Hanoverian citizens by birth: The name on the birth certificate, unless it has been legally changes.
3. For non-Hanoverians: Their legal name in other nations.
Marriage, of course, is a legal way to change your last name.
Well, actually, this means that at least for me there is no problem. Just wanted to make it clear that I am not Cedric Jonathan Granger in Hanover anymore, but rather, Jonathan Cid; just as I have been in every other part of the world.
The Legal Name Changes Act seems to be currently in the limbo between being passed by both Houses of Parliament, and being granted Royal Assent. Still, when it passes, this will be the law:
Quote:Any Hanoverian citizen may apply to change their full legal name by submitting the Legal Name Change Application Form, as contained in schedule one to this act, to the Ministry of Home Affairs or, in its absence, the equivalent ministry within His Majesties government.
The form can be found as a schedule to the Act, here:
http://www.kingdomofhanover.com/discussion...?showtopic=2429
Welcome to Hanover, Jonathan!