Unenrolled Deed Poll

Hello,

I want to change my last name from Jenkins to Smith, as per my boyfriends last name.

We have decided we don't have the money to get married, and after a little looking online can see there are 2 types of deed poll to change your surname.

Am I right in thinking I can make my own deep poll, get it signed twice and then I can start calling myself Mrs Smith?

Thanks for your help x

Comments

  • p00hsticks
    p00hsticks Posts: 14,353 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I'm not an expert, but I don't think you even need a deed poll. As long as you aren't doing it fo fraudulent reasons, you can simply say that in future you wish to be known be whatever name you like.

    P.S. Getting married doesn't necessarily cost the earth - we went to a registrars office and it cost about £150 all in (no rings, no guests, just a couple of witnesses).
  • TonyMMM
    TonyMMM Posts: 3,421 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You don't even need a deed poll at all - just notify whoever needs to know that you are now known as xxxx Smith.

    However some organisations can be awkward about acknowledging the name change without one - if that happens write out one yourself. A deed poll is just a simple written statement confirming the name change which you sign and someone witnesses - it doesn't have to be enrolled with the courts.
  • Thanks guys, the reason I was going to get it signed as I read DVLA / Passport office require it?

    Can I ultimately call myself Mrs? Even though I am not married?
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,571 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 13 August 2019 at 3:33PM
    Star_Gazer wrote: »
    Can I ultimately call myself Mrs? Even though I am not married?

    Yes, as long as you don't claim to be married when filling in forms, etc.

    As an unmarried couple, you don't have any legal rights regarding inheritance, automatically being considered next of kin and so on.

    It might be easier to have a cheap wedding at the RO and save up for a 'do' later on.
  • Star_Gazer wrote: »
    Hello,

    I want to change my last name from Jenkins to Smith, as per my boyfriends last name.

    We have decided we don't have the money to get married, and after a little looking online can see there are 2 types of deed poll to change your surname.

    Am I right in thinking I can make my own deep poll, get it signed twice and then I can start calling myself Mrs Smith?

    Thanks for your help x

    Someone I know was called Mrs (Her partner's name) for over thirty years, even though they were not married.

    When they finally did get married, most of their friends were surprised, as they thought they already were. :)

    But as stated above, it does not cost much to get married.
    (AKA HRH_MUngo)
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  • Sncjw
    Sncjw Posts: 3,561 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    How much are you expecting your wedding to cost

    do register office and nice meal afterwards with some close family. Have a look st your council website
    Mortgage free wannabe 

    Actual mortgage stating amount £75,150

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    Cc around 8k. 

  • *max*
    *max* Posts: 3,208 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 13 August 2019 at 11:56PM
    You do know that having the same last name doesn't mean you will have the same rights as a legally married couple, yes? It's not a legal alternative to marriage. I'm sure you know, just double-checking.
  • Exodi
    Exodi Posts: 3,727 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    As iterated above, getting formally married costs a couple of hundred pound - you don't need to go overboard and tank 10-20k like a lot of people seem to.

    If the OP has been together a long time the name change could be purely fuelled by social pressures.
    Know what you don't
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