Naperville, IL family law attorney Jacqueline Helm discusses the potential reasons for changing your name. She explains that in most cases, a name change signifies a new aspect of a person’s identity. For instance, when individuals go through major life events such as divorce, they may seek to change their names to reflect their new status. In such cases, a name change can be incorporated into the divorce agreement without requiring a separate petition. Similarly, in family situations like adoptions, parents may opt to change a child’s last name to match the family name, which can be a joyous and fulfilling experience for the child. When minors are involved, parental consent is necessary for the name change process.

Furthermore, people may choose to change their names for various reasons unrelated to family changes. Some individuals may simply dislike their current name due to difficulties in spelling or a feeling that it does not truly represent who they are. Name changes can also hold significant meaning for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals. Supporting individuals through the name change process, especially for transgender individuals, is a source of great satisfaction as it affirms their identity. Overall, while the process itself is relatively straightforward, the impact of a name change can be profound and transformative.