Changing Name By Deed Poll questions (merged)

margaretclare

Change of name for an adult can be done at the CAB for a small donation.

HTH

Margaret

MissMoneypenny

I changed my surname 3 years ago by Deed of Name Change and typed it up myself on good quality strong paper (it had to be sent to so many people that it would have been in danger of ripping imo). My witness was not a solicitor, just someone who knew me and their profession was clearly written on the document.

Most places wanted see the original document and took photocopies themselves for their records. Some places returned the original document to me by recorded delivery.

I had to pay for a new passport.

I think you will have to tell the CSA as you are renouncing and abandoning your old name.

sheryldoc

I was going to change my surname to that of my partner and son.. as we hav no plans to get married in near future.. we r fine as we r..

do same rules apply for a surname?

Im in Scot

mutley74

Thanks for the replies. Some food for thought there.

I cant go to CAb as they only open certain days of the week where i am and i am at work when they are open.

"A statutory declaration is simply a document stating that you have changed your name, it is not a change of name deed. The template for it should be easily found by googling the internet."

So i dont need a deed poll?
let me get this right?? I can do a statutory declaration myself and get a friend or someone who has known me to witness it and sign it.

But if i need a deed poll i need to go through an official person (?). if so anyone recommend anyone, as i have seen loads of places offering this when doing a google search. Any recommendations on which company?

I am quite tempted to make the big switch over in early January!
(other question i am enrolling with clinics to get consulted for some health treatment - do i just tell them when i change even if it shalf way through any treatment?)

many thanks all

Bossyboots

atpug wrote:

"A statutory declaration is simply a document stating that you have changed your name, it is not a change of name deed. The template for it should be easily found by googling the internet."

So i dont need a deed poll?
let me get this right?? I can do a statutory declaration myself and get a friend or someone who has known me to witness it and sign it.

That is correct, you do not need a deed poll and you can draw up the deed yourself. However, I would strongly recommend you pay the £5 and get it witnessed by a solicitor. I know our local banks will not accept them witnessed by anyone other than a legal firm whose stamp appears on the document although they are quite happy to accept "home made" ones, they are adamant on the issue of witnessing.

WhatKatyDid_2

Hi there,

I decided to change my name back in April, managed to track down the correct deed poll wording & typed it all up on my own pc, printed out 3 copies on good quality cream paper and got 2 friends to witness each of the 3 copies (instead of having to deal with getting additional certified copies).

I have had no problem whatsoever with using these documents to change my passport, driving licence, bank details (except for Abbey National managing to lose everything in the post - so now I'm with Lloyds!!). I did not need to pay a solicitor to witness or seal them (seals are no longer a requirement). Not one organisation has had any query with regard to my change of name using this document.

I also then produced one for a friend of mine who wanted to change her name; she also has had no problem.

It is the identical thing I could have got from the internet & paid around £30 for (in fact some companies will just email you the wording, making you pay for that, but you have to print it yourself still!!).

Katy

mutley74

Whatkatydid,

thanks for the reply. I will look into that. You dont recall the website by any chance where i can find the wording to use. Sounds like a good idea!

many thanks

MissMoneypenny

sheryldoc wrote:

do same rules apply for a surname?

I just changed my surname by a homemade (and not signed by a solicitor) Deed of Name Change. I kept my christian names. I was advised by a solicitor that my signature did not have to witnessed by a solicitor. I had no problems at all getting my surname chaged (passport office/3 banks/8 building societies/DVLA/1 life policy/2 endowments).

I decided to not to register the Deed, although it was pointed out to me that if ever a future family member was researching the family tree, they would run into problems with my name.

I sent my homemade Deed of Name Change to the passport office first and then when I received my original back, started informing everyone else. My son has changed his surname too using the same template and he hasn't had any trouble either.

MissMoneypenny

Bossyboots wrote:

I know our local banks will not accept them witnessed by anyone other than a legal firm whose stamp appears on the document although they are quite happy to accept "home made" ones, they are adamant on the issue of witnessing.

I didn't have a problem with HSBC, Barclays or ING. Having worked for a bank for several years, I'm amazed that any Bank branch has refused to accept the new passport with the Deed for the name change on the account. I would definately report those branches (in writing) to their respective Head Offices.

MissMoneypenny

atpug wrote:

You dont recall the website by any chance where i can find the wording to use. Sounds like a good idea!
many thanks

This is the wording for the document I used to change a surname. You will need to alter the "surname" bit to "christian name" or "forename". The brackets in italics are the bit you have to add, but don't put the brackets in your documents. Just make sure you print it out on very strong good quality paper as it will be handled and folded by a lot of people and might rip otherwise. Sent it to the Passport Office first (with the relevant forms). Don't forget to keep the original doucment with your legal papers too, like your will.

THIS DEED OF NAME CHANGE made the (date) day of (month)
(year) by me the undersigned (Your full new name in capitals typed in bold) of (full address) a British citizen

WITNESS AND DECLARE as follows:-

1. I absolutely renounce and abandon the use of my former surname of (Old surname typed in capitals) and assume from the date of this deed the surname of (New surname typed in capitals)
2. I shall at all times from now in all records deeds and instruments in writing and in all actions and proceedings and in all dealing and transactions and on all occasions use and sign the name of (New surname typed in capitals) as my new surname instead of my former name of (old surname typed in capitals) which is renounced
3. I authorize and request all persons to designate and address me by the assumed surname of (new surname typed in capitals)

IN WITNESS of which I have signed my Christian name of (Christian names typed in capitals) and my assumed surname of (new surname typed in capitals) and my relinquished surname of (old surname typed in capitals)

SIGNED AS A DEED and DELIVERED )
(Sign your new signature)

By the above named (New full name typed in capitals) )

In the presence of:- )

(signature of witness) FORMERLY KNOWN AS
(witness name in capitals) (full new name typed in capitals)
(full address of witness) (sign your old signature)
(profession of witness)