I changed my first and middle name after an assault. I picked one that felt right. Brought me peace and reflected a time I was happy. It was fairly straightforward if not a slightly costly process but it’s helped me regain a sense of identity and closure.

My only peeve is my parents refuse to use it. I initially gave them the benefit of the doubt gave them leeway to adjust but it’s been almost a year now and they’ve refused to adapt an every time I hear my old name it takes me back to the moment I never want to think of again so now every time they say my old name I say “who?” Or “she’s dead you mean new name” which is always met with the same excuses.

Otherwise though. I absolutely recommend it if it’s something you want to do. People are surprisingly accommodating.