Top Reasons To Change Your Name

Why Someone Might Want to Change Their Name

Changing your name is a personal decision that can be deeply symbolic, practical, or emotionally necessary. In Colorado, as in other states, adults and minors alike can petition the court for a legal name change. As a trusted family law attorney in Colorado Springs, Mary Daugherty understands that clients seek name changes for many valid reasons. Whether rooted in identity, family dynamics, or legal considerations, the motivation to change one’s name is often significant and requires careful handling within the legal system.

Below are some of the most common and legally recognized reasons someone might wish to change their name in Colorado.

 

I found Mary while searching YouTube for steps for a name change. Not to sound like a hippie but I gravitated towards her energy. I set up a consultation and in that initial meet I felt as if I was talking to a long time friend. Needless to say, she accepted me as a client and our journey began. Mary made things very easy for me. She laid things out step by step. She was speedy and prompt in answering any questions and walked me through the entire way. I have told her privately how much I appreciate her and now I publicly! Mary, thank you again! – Jai

Marriage or Divorce

Perhaps the most frequent reason individuals change their names is related to marriage or divorce. Traditionally, many people take their spouse’s surname when they marry. Conversely, after a divorce, it is common for a person to revert to their maiden name or another previous legal name.

In Colorado, changing your name as part of the marriage or divorce process is streamlined. When filing for a divorce, you can request a name restoration as part of the decree. Similarly, marriage certificates serve as sufficient documentation for those wishing to assume their spouse’s name.

Gender Transition and Affirmation

For transgender and non-binary individuals, changing their legal name can be an essential step in affirming their gender identity. A name that matches one’s gender presentation can reduce anxiety, help avoid discrimination, and improve personal and professional interactions.

Colorado has supportive legal procedures for individuals undergoing gender transition. A name change can be completed without requiring proof of medical transition or gender confirmation surgery. The process remains confidential in many cases, and Colorado law allows applicants to request sealed records if safety or privacy is a concern.

Safety and Privacy Concerns

In situations involving domestic violence, stalking, or abuse, individuals may pursue a name change to protect themselves from being found or targeted by a past abuser. A new legal name can provide a layer of anonymity that supports a fresh start and greater security.

Colorado courts recognize this as a valid reason for requesting sealed name change records. If a petitioner demonstrates that publication of the name change might endanger their safety, they can often proceed without having to publish notice in a local newspaper, a standard requirement for most adult name changes.

Adoption and Blended Families

Children and adults may seek a name change following an adoption, whether by a stepparent or another guardian. Adoptees often want their last names to match that of their new legal family as a symbol of belonging and continuity.

Additionally, in blended families, stepchildren or children from prior relationships may want to share the surname of a stepparent, even without a formal adoption. This can strengthen familial bonds and provide consistency in legal, school, and medical records.

Cultural or Religious Reasons

Some individuals choose to change their names to better reflect their cultural heritage or religious beliefs. For example, a person may wish to reclaim a traditional name that was anglicized or altered during immigration, or adopt a name following a religious conversion or milestone.

Such changes are often symbolic of personal growth, spiritual alignment, or reconnection with ancestral roots.

Correcting or Modifying a Birth Name

In some instances, a person’s birth name may contain errors, misspellings, or unusual formatting that causes issues with documentation or identity verification. Others may simply dislike their given name or find it difficult to pronounce or spell.

A legal name change allows individuals to simplify their names, correct inaccuracies, or adopt a name that better fits their personality and lifestyle.

Professional or Branding Purposes

In certain careers—such as entertainment, writing, or business—a person may build a personal or professional brand around a particular name. To align their legal identity with their public persona, they may pursue a formal name change.

This is especially common for artists, actors, and public figures who wish to avoid confusion between their legal and professional identities.

Desire for a Fresh Start

Sometimes, individuals seek a name change simply as a symbolic way to mark a new chapter in life. After a significant personal event—such as overcoming addiction, surviving a traumatic experience, or completing a period of incarceration—changing one’s name can serve as an act of reclaiming identity and moving forward.

Although not all courts view personal reinvention alone as a sufficient reason for granting a name change, with a clear explanation and no fraudulent intent, it is often accepted.

Is A Name Change Right For You?

Whether prompted by life events, personal identity, or family dynamics, a name change can carry deep emotional and legal significance. At Daugherty Law in Colorado Springs, we recognize that the decision to change your name is rarely made lightly. Our team is here to assist you through every step of the process—from preparing the necessary documents to ensuring your petition complies with Colorado law.

If you’re considering a name change for yourself or your child, contact Mary Daugherty today to schedule a consultation.