Changing Name By Deed Poll questions (merged)

Violetta_2

As bottleredhead says you don't need to do it by Deed Poll just check this info from CAB so no need to give these companies your money from the looks of it. Does that mean I could be Mrs Ewan McGregor or would that be seen as fraud.

vyvyan_2

Sadly, in my case I do need to use Deed Poll to go back to the name on my birth certificate as I used Deed Poll originally to change to my ex-partner's surname before we got married. As I used Deed Poll it somehow it makes it more 'fixed'. Because of this, my Decree Absolute doesn't have my maiden name as my original name. I would consider the easier and cheaper option if I could but I consider this worth it. As I kinda said, it's complicated!

Thanks for all the replies so far - I'm off to work now and it's 05.30am yuk just thought I would check this thrread....

V xx

aztec21

Yes that is right if your maiden name is not on your Decree Absolute you have no real choice but to use a Deed Poll

I changed my name by Deed Poll a few months ago and it did not take too long to get everything changed over to my new name. It is a good idea to purchase a few certified copies as it speeds up the process as lots of organisations such as banks want to see an original or a certified copy therefore it saves you waiting for your one original copy to come back in the post each time.

For more info on Certified Copies check out the page http://www.ukdp.co.uk/pages/servicesforpreviousdeed.php

You can get anyone to witness it provided it is someone independent of yourself and not under 18. A work colleague or a neighbour is fine.

There is a lot of information on the site http://www.ukdp.co.uk and they have also helpline if there is anything your not sure about. Deed Poll helpline number is 0800 983 0143.

RonnyJ

Am thinking of changing my surname but would like to know who do i need to inform and will this cost any extra?

Passport - cost?
Bank
Driving license
Insurances (Car, house, pet & me)
Mortgage
Credit Cards/ Store Cards etc
Work

Anymore?

flutterbyuk25

V5C Registration Certificate for your car - send copy of deed poll cert and short letter to say you are same person and you've just changed your name.

Pension?

Breakdown Cover?

Tax people/NI insurance?

Doctor/dentist etc?

I'm sure there may be others too!

x

iceicebaby

RonnyJ wrote: »

Am thinking of changing my surname but would like to know who do i need to inform and will this cost any extra?

Passport - cost?
Bank
Driving license
Insurances (Car, house, pet & me)
Mortgage
Credit Cards/ Store Cards etc
Work

Anymore?

Passport is currently £72 :eek:

devcom2007

There is a list of organisations that you may need to inform at The Deed Poll Service website.

hannoja

Kind of decided, but I keep changing my mind. I've got pathetic emotional problems which, together with being a procrastinator anyway, make decisions 'put-offable'

I'd appreciate some factual, non-emotional, input - there are reasons I have this choice, which are long and complicated and for me to deal with, so I'd really rather not have opinions from a moral standpoint, etc., etc..

Basically, we've been together over a decade and now have two little ones. I want me and my children and my OH to have the same surname. We both work share childcare: I'm P/T and look after the kids mostly so I earn a bit less.

What are the implications of being married vs co-habiting from a financial point of view? What if I die? What if OH dies? What if we split? (covering all options here). Do you have to divorce to be forced to split assets? The house is mine. I have a pension with work. I think OH will only get that upon my death if we're married.

I'm sure I've missed loads of questions, but this has been on my mind for such a long time now, and I'm using it as an excuse to put off other things that need attention. I'd be very grateful for any impartial, unemotional inupt.

Thanks.

starbump

In my opinion...

I assume OH and you are the kids' parents; when primary carer dies (if kids are minors) they will typically go to/stay with surviving parent.

If you and OH die intestate (without a will) then the assets will be given out differently than if you were married i.e. kids would get some but surviving partner would not.

If you separated, the division of assets would be different than if you were married i.e. you would get back what you own/contributed rather than primary carer/dependent partner potentially receiving a larger share.

You can name beneficiaries for your pension funds and/or death benefits. Typically you just need to complete a simple form and your wishes will be respected, regardless of relationship to beneficiaries.

You can generally transfer assets freely between spouses. There are some "married" tax breaks e.g. inheritance tax. This is complicated and mostly of interest to wealthy couples.

I think your first (urgent) priority is a will for both you and OH. There are clear advantages to being married but you can negate some (not all) of them by drafting a good will.

Finally, please remember there is no such thing as a "common-law spouse" in any part of the UK. You can be informally married in Scotland (cohabitation by habit and repute) but you must intend to be married (repute) and your kids would probably need to go to court when you die to get this enforced. Therefore, make your choice between a marriage certificate or nothing.

I hope this is helpful. I believe it is reasonably accurate.

hev_2

How old are the children?

I ask this first, because if they were born before a certain date then if you are not married and anything happens to you then your OH will have no rights regarding your children. I am sure that someone will come along and give you the relevant dates etc (think that if born after 2003 and father's name on birth certificate then okay).

To give an example - he would have no rights to find out about any treatment for your children in hospital and would not be able to consent to treatment like surgery. If you get married he will get these rights, otherwise he should apply for Parental Responsibility.

First of all - get the wills made, and see if you can get a good deal on getting two done at the same time. Then make sure that all possible pensions etc will be signed over should anything happened. Once you have done that you have bought time to consider it.

Have you considered the cost of deed poll v cost of wedding? Would you enjoy a big wedding or would it stress you to a breakdown? Would you be okay with a small wedding or would the worry of that stress you to a breakdown? Would you feel let down if you didn't get a 'big day'.

BTW there is nothing stopping you from changing your name by deed poll now and then getting married later.

HTH