“How easy will it be to change my name?”

Anyone can ask people to call them by a different name. However, for a change of name to be recognised by public authorities, banks and other organisations, some additional steps need to be taken.

Marriage and civil partnership

Changing your name after marriage or civil partnership is a relatively straightforward task of providing a copy of your marriage certificate as evidence. If you want to change your name back after a divorce or civil partnership dissolution, this can be done by producing the decree absolute (plus marriage certificate) or final order (and civil partnership certificate).

Change of Name Deed

In other situations where someone wants to change their name – perhaps the want to have the same surname as their child, or they simply don’t like the name they were given – one option is to ask us to prepare a ‘Change of Name Deed’.

A Change of Name Deed is an official document. It records the end of your use of your previous name and the precise name by which you will become known for all purposes, including official identification such as your passport, from that point onwards. 

Can a child’s name be changed?

Anyone over the age of 16 who has mental capacity can change their name via a Change of Name Deed. Parental consent isn’t needed, but there may be a court order in place that prevents the change from taking effect, so that would need to be checked.

For children under 16, everyone with parental responsibility would need to consent to the name change. 

What does the Change of Name Deed process involve?

It’s usually very straightforward. We will ask for certain information, including your current name, your new name and your address. We will also ask why you are looking to change your name. This is important because we won’t be able to take things any further if your reason for the name change is to try and avoid debts or criminal liability.

If the Change of Name Deed is for a child under the age of 16, we will need the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility.

We’ll then prepare your Change of Name Deed to be signed and witnessed. Once that has happened, you can begin to use your new name. The Passport Office, DVLA, banks and other institutions will accept certified copies of your Change of Name Deed in order to amend their records and issue new documentation.

Why use us to help change your name?

Having specialist solicitors prepare a Change of Name Deed means you can be sure everything has been done correctly. Our team is highly experienced in helping clients through the process of changing their name so that the change takes effect smoothly and without delay.

Contact us to discuss your situation and get the ball rolling on info@bsandi.co.uk or call on 01264 353411.