Becoming Shafi'i?

Can I change from a hanafi to a shafi and would it be a good idea in Britain?

Walaikum assalam,

Madhhabs are a means to an end, which is to worship Allah and obey Him in a sound, proper and pleasing manner.

As such, what madhhab one follows should be determined by which madhhab one can:

1. Learn soundly (through book and, ideally, scholars);

2. Get one's questions answered most easily;

3. Feels an intellectual or heart-felt inclination towards.

Secondary considerations (though far less important than the above) are one's cultural background, one's environment, and the like.

And Allah knows best.

Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani.