Brad Pitt’s Kids Are Dropping Their Father’s Name – Here’s Why I Did The Same.

She added that she always “hated” the last name she inherited from her father, which included being teased at school. “I didn’t want to be associated with it,” she says.

Changing her name to match her mother felt like a relief, and Maggie says she feels “like myself” now.

“I wanted to be part of my mother’s family,” she says.

Dr. Becca Bland, a family counselor and coach, says that estranged or estranged people change their names as a psychological defense mechanism, “it helps separate you from things that might cause trouble or harm.”

Changing their name means they don’t have to repeat a last name they may associate with bad memories or feel connected to a family they don’t know, she said.

People who are separated from their parents can feel a range of emotions, including sadness, loss and a sense of freedom, says Dr Lucy Blake of the University of the West of England, whose research focuses on family relationships. She says it can be an isolating experience because people worry about facing judgment from others.

Blake dismissed criticism that some young people are cutting ties with their relatives “without much thought”. Research shows that adults who distance themselves from their relatives often do so “over time with great care and consideration,” she says.

If people want to change their name in England and Wales, they have two options. A cheaper option is an unregistered document review that a person can do on their own or at a private company for a fee. You can also change it by registered deed opinion, meaning there is a public record of it, through the High Court for £53.05 ($71).

If you were born or born Northern Ireland, ExternalYou can change your name by democratic vote or register a name change with a legal representative, which costs £35.

If you were born or adopted in Scotland, you can change your name by submitting an application National Register of Scotland, ExternalWhich costs £40.

Changing your last name can come with some hurdles.

In England, Wales and Scotland you need it if you are under 16 Agreement, External For all of your parental responsibility.

Maggie says she waited until 16 to make the change, without her father’s permission.

“It was very disappointing when I was sure it was something I wanted to do,” she says.

You should also update government bodies and companies including the Passport Office, the DVLA, the student loan company, your banks and your GP.

For Hannah, who lives in California, changing her name took about three months and cost her hundreds of dollars, including a $400 filing fee and $130 to place ads in the local newspaper. She described the latter requirement as “very outdated and strange.”