Most of us don't like the thought of dying.  We don't want to think about settling our affairs in case of what might be for fear that it beckons "what might be" into being!  As if we are inviting fate to come a step closer.  But the fact of the matter is that unless we set out what we want done in the event of something bad happening, if we are unable to speak for ourselves, then we will be left to the mercy of those who will make the decisions for us - and often these will be made on the basis of what is best for them rather than us.  Is that what you want to happen?  If you answer that you don't really mind what happens because you'll probably be past caring, then that's fine.  If, on the other hand, you do care and you do want to maintain control of some part of your life, then you need to think about making a living will now - because you never know when something will happen that will make this decision irrelevant!

There are many people who want to change their name.  In fact there are many people who have decided to be known as a different name for some reason.  Perhaps they don't like their name - many children born in the age of flower power were given names that were less than common and not at all in keeping with the ranks of power they would achieve later in life.  Perhaps their name became synonymous with a negative event or person.  Perhaps they want to move from the public spotlight into an unknown shadow. 

In simple terms, it's not simple at all for the general public to be able to do their own legal research.  The legal system has been created and then evolved in such a way that it is a minefield of exceptions and additions so that the plain laws are now open to interpretation and it takes a legal researcher who is familiar with the nuances of the law to be able to find their way through it.

In order to prove anything, you need to have completed the appropriate legal forms, and in most cases, paid the appropriate fee.  This can be for simple things such as requesting a SSI number or replacing your driver's license.  Or it can be for more serious things such as bringing a legal case against someone who has caused you injury. 

If you can't afford to pay a lawyer but need legal advice or counsel, then you will appreciate the work of legal aid services.  Although there are plenty who will have something negative to say about the work of the legal aid services, at least there is one agency that the lower income people can call upon to come to their assistance.