I changed my first and last name after having kids. The paperwork was complicated.

Courtesy Elliott Harrell

• People knew me by a name that wasn't actually legally mine.
• I wanted to have the same name as my children and husband but didn't want to do the paperwork.
• I finally decided to, and it took nearly $500 and four months, but I'm glad I did it.

Most people know me as Elliott Harrell, but that wasn't my actual name until recently. I'd see the name Jane Walker on a piece of...