A name change refers to the legal process of altering a person's name. This can occur for various reasons, such as marriage, divorce, personal preference, or cultural practices. Individuals may seek a name change to better reflect their identity or to distance themselves from a past association. In many jurisdictions, the process involves submitting a petition to a court, providing a valid reason, and sometimes publishing the name change in a local newspaper. Once approved, the individual can update their identification documents, such as a driver's license or passport, to reflect their new name.