Change of Name
People change their names for a number of reasons; personal preferences, divorce, adoption, new relationships or different family units. A change of name can be legally accomplished in one of two ways, and we can help and advise you in both cases.
- by change of name deed poll
- by using their decree absolute and marriage certificate
Procedure for deed poll
To change your name by deed poll you are required to formally prepare a deed which must be signed by you, reflecting your old name and the name you now want to be known by. It must be signed and witnessed in the presence of an independent solicitor or similar person. A deed poll should be registered with the Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London. It is lodged for safe keeping in the Close Rolls of the Chancery.
A change of name deed or a deed poll will be required if you would like to change the name of a child or an adult who requires to use any name other than the one on their birth certificate. Various government agencies will require a change of name deed poll to change names on legal documentation such as passports, bank accounts, driving licenses and national insurance documents.
Changing names of children under 16
Children’s names can only be changed by persons with Parental Responsibility (PR) and consent to change a child’s name must be obtained. Consent must be given in writing from all parties with PR. If one of the parties with PR does not give their consent or if you are unable to locate them, you can make an application to the Family Courts to obtain a Specific Issue Order, granting permission for you to change the name of the child. However the court will only grant the order if they consider it to be in the best interests of the child.
Marriage
Traditionally women change their surname on marriage. However there is no legal requirement to do so. If you decide to take your husbands name, your marriage certificate provides you with the necessary documentary evidence that you have changed your name. A change of name deed will not be required.
Traditionally, a man does not change his surname on marriage. However, many men decide to:
- double-barrel their surname with their wife’s surname
- take their wife’s surname
- make their wife’s surname a middle name
- combine both surnames to make a new surname
In the above circumstances a deed poll will be required.
Civil Partnerships
There is no legal requirement to change either parties surname on entering a civil partnership. However if one party does want to take on the others surname a deed poll will not be required, as a civil partnership provides the traditional rights afforded to married couples.
Separation/Divorce
On divorce a woman can revert back to her maiden name in one of two ways:
- deed poll
- by using a decree absolute and marriage certificate
Women who have taken their husband’s surname on marriage, do not have to wait until their divorce is final to change their surname. You can revert to your maiden name or use a different name entirely by deed poll.
Who you need to inform
Listed below are many of the companies and organisations you need to advise of a change of name:
- Employers
- Inland Revenue for tax and NI records
- Schools/colleges/universities
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Driver and vehicle licensing authority
- Passport office
- Bank
- Building society
- Utility companies
- Telephone company
- Mobile telephone company
- Local authority
- HM land and registry
- TV licensing office
- Credit card and store charge-card companies.
- Finance/loan companies
- Premium Bond office
- Investment companies
- Companies you have shares in
- Pension company
- Insurance companies
- Mail-order companies
- Motoring organisations
- Professional institutes and bodies
- Clubs, societies and associations
- Internet service provider
- Police
Please contact us at familyandrelationships@glazerdelmar.com if you would like more information about changing a name.