Change of Name Solicitors

Change of name

At Eric Robinson Solicitors, we can assist with change of name deeds to give you complete peace of mind. 

When it comes to changing your name, an adult is free to do the following:

• Change their own names
• Add new names
• Delete old names

There are a number of reasons as to why someone may wish to change their name. Some of the most common reasons are linked to divorce, changing a child’s name to match that of their mother or father, changing gender and culture or religion. 

Our qualified team of Solicitors is able to help guide you through the various options available to you, and undertake the process that’s best suited to your needs. 

The process of changing your name 

Although there are a number of ways in which a change of name can be evidenced, it is most commonly done by deed poll. Anyone who is 16 or over can change their own name via ‘unenrolled’ deed poll, whereas ‘enrolled’ deed poll changes can only be made by those who are 18 or over. The key difference is that ‘enrolled’ deed poll name changes mean you are putting your new name on public record, and you need to apply to the courts to do so. An ‘unenrolled’ change relates to a simple legal statement that your name has changed. 

The process involves applying for the desired type of deed poll and reading, understanding and signing all documentation in the presence of two independent witnesses.

It is important to understand that by changing your name, you are declaring that you are happy to:

• Abandon your previous name
• Use your new name at all times
• Require all persons to address you by your new name only. 

Once you have received confirmation that your new name is active, you will need to inform and update all relevant identification documents, plus any additional organisations you are affiliated with. This completes the process. 

Adult name changes

Adults can make the following changes to their name:

• Amend the spelling 
• Add or remove hyphens 
• Add or remove names

Essentially, you can change any existing component of your name, or choose something completely new. As previously mentioned, there are two types of name change for adults, ‘enrolled’ and ‘unenrolled’. You will need to decide beforehand which you would like to pursue. You can change your name by deed poll as often as you like, but never for fraudulent purposes. 

Child name changes 

An adult who has parental responsibility for a child is free to change the child’s name on the child’s behalf. If more than one person has parental responsibility, each person must agree to the change of name in writing. 

An adult is free to:

• Change the child’s name
• Give the child new names
• Delete the child’s old names 

There are a few ways in which a change of name can be evidenced but it is most commonly done by deed entered into by a parent on behalf of the child. 

To undertake the task we will firstly need the written consent of everybody with parental responsibility. Secondly, we will need the adult completing the change of name deed to sign a declaration confirming that they take responsibility for the written consent that they have provided. In certain instances, the consent of the court may also be required.

How Eric Robinson Solicitors can help

At Eric Robinson Solicitors, we are happy to prepare such change of name deeds for adults wishing to change their name in some specified way. We are able to discuss the different options with you to decide precisely how you want to proceed, before requesting and managing all paperwork involved so you can utilise your new name as quickly as possible. 

To speak to us and find out more, get in touch with one of our local branches at the following locations:

• Southampton
• Hedge End
• Chandlers Ford
• Winchester
• Lymington 
• Shoreham-by-Sea
• Richmond Upon Thames