What's in a name?
Question
I'd like to change my surname to that of my partner without marrying him. Is changing my name by deed poll the best way to do this and how much would it cost?
Answer
If you're over 16 you can call yourself by a different name at any time, provided you don't intend to deceive or defraud anybody. There is no legal procedure you have to follow in order to change your name. All you have to do is start using the new name.
Although you don't have to use a legal process to change your name you may need evidence that you have when applying for a passport, opening a bank account or if you want to change your name on already existing documents. The evidence needed varies depending on what you want to do. Below are some of the ways you can provide evidence of the change:
- A letter from a responsible person such as a doctor, magistrate, MP or minister of religion
- A public announcement, usually a notice in the local or national press
- A statutory declaration, this is a written notice witnessed by a solicitor or Justice of the Peace for which they will make a charge
- A deed poll this is the most formal and expensive way of changing your name and the amounts charged can be very high, especially if the deed is to be lodged with the high court.
Although it is possible, with the correct evidence, to change your name on many official documents your birth certificate can only be changed in very limited circumstances.
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Question answered by CAB
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