Many situations might arise whereby you need or wish to change your name. You might have recently married, divorced or wish to double-barrel your surname to incorporate that of your spouse. You might also want to change your child’s name, perhaps as a result of a court order or because both parents agree that it should be changed. It is possible to change any part of your name and there are a variety of ways to do this, which are outlined below.
If you are a UK resident or changing your name on UK documents:
- If you are recently married or have entered into a civil partnership, you do not need a deed poll or Change of Name Deed to change your surname. Simply send a copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate to the relevant organisation (for example, the DVLA, Passport Office, DWP or your workplace). They should update your documents for free.
- Some people choose to change their name by deed poll. This can be either an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll or an ‘enrolled’ deed poll. An unenrolled deed poll can be created in line with government guidance, but many organisations will require a deed poll to be enrolled in order to effect the change of name on your official documents. To enrol the deed poll with the courts, you must pay the fee and complete a number of steps, including filing a notice at the Gazette.
- Whitehead Monckton follows a much simpler procedure, by preparing a Change of Name Deed which will be approved and signed by you in the presence of an independent witness. We will then provide you with certified copies which can be sent to the relevant organisations to change your official documents whilst you keep the original in safe storage.
- Please note that if you have been declared bankrupt or have a criminal record, there may be additional considerations to changing your name.
If you also have residency or citizenship in another country:
- You should check with your embassy whether they will accept a Change of Name Deed executed in England as evidence of your name change.
If you are a non-UK resident changing your own name:
- If you are a permanent resident overseas, you cannot change your name by deed poll.
- To update your official documents in the country where you live, you will need to follow that country’s procedure.
Changing your child’s name
- If your child has British citizenship and is aged 16 or over, they will be able to execute their own Change of Name Deed.
- If they are below the age of 16, we will be able to prepare a Change of Name Deed which must be signed by all parents who hold parental responsibility for that child.
- If you don’t know whether you have parental responsibility, your child is a foreign national or you can’t agree with the other parent about changing your child’s name, speak to one of our expert Family law advisors who can advise you further.
If you would like to know more about changing your name or your child’s name, contact our expert Family Team on 01622 698000, who would be pleased to assist you.
