Life is not always plain sailing, and many curveballs are thrown our way. You may have hit a point in your life where a name change is necessary, for whatever reason. This can bring many emotions. This blog looks at how a deed poll can signify new beginnings.
Reasons for a Name Change
There are numerous reasons why you may want to change your name. Here are some of those most common:
- Marriage, divorce, or separation – changing your name after a marriage, civil partnership, or divorce is a common occurrence. You may want to take your partner’s name, have a double-barrelled name, or you may wish to revert to your pre-wedding name.
- Career choice – perhaps your name doesn’t fit your profession. A name can say a lot about someone, especially in the creative industry.
- Family feud – you may be estranged from your parents or grandparents and want to sever all ties, including the use of your family name.
- You don’t like the name – you may have been teased about your name or simply not like how it sounds. It might have negative associations.
- To honour a loved one, you might want to honour a step-parent or adoptive guardian.
- Non-binary and gender identity – you may not identify with your name due to being non-binary or transgender.
What a Name Change Could Mean
Closure and acceptance – If you have been through a painful time, whether in a relationship with a partner or family member, or in any other situation, changing your name can bring an immense sense of closure and acceptance. You can put the grief and struggles behind you. If you have ended a relationship, it can be painful holding onto the name, and for many, changing it is a way of reclaiming themselves.
New beginnings – you may want to draw a line under a chapter of your life. This is often true for those who identify as non-binary or are transgender. They may feel they have been living with the wrong identity for too long, and receiving the deed poll is a turning point, marking the start of a new beginning.
Stronger identity – as mentioned above, if you have felt that your name does not truly represent who you identify as, this can take a significant emotional toll. You may have been teased about your name, or it may be linked to a relative with whom you no longer wish to be associated. Having a name that you have chosen, rather than one that has been assigned to you, can bring a liberating sense of power, control, and identity.
If you have questions about using a deed poll to change your name, contact DeedPolls.com for deed poll assistance on 020 8150 2010.