Unenrolled Deed Poll

Star_Gazer

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

p00hsticks

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

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.

Star_Gazer

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

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.

seven-day-weekend

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.

Sncjw

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

*max*

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

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.