Has anyone used Deed Poll?

[sparkleandspin]

My DD is nearly 18 months old. We are considering giving her the more formal version of her name so that she has more options when she is older. The pet version is currently on her birth certificate. We might add another middle name too if we do this.

We would like to know if anyone has used Deed Poll to do this and if it will be a pain for the child when filling in forms etc when they are older. If it will make things too difficult for her we might not bother.

Thanks!

[MelinaM]

No, but know a friend who did! Apparently it was 'ever so easy to do' ..a little too easy in his case! ..do not mix drunkenness with name changing! Lol!
Anyway, it can be requested online and you just need someone to sign the application form like you would a passport. You then have an extra certificate to provide with the original birth certificate when providing proof of identity etc.. Voila! x

[duchesse]

Very timely thread! We think we chose the wrong name for DD3 (15m), and she has always been known by her nickname so we are considering adding another name to her birth certificate.

fwiw I think you're right. I always think "All rise for her Honour Judge X Y" before deciding whether a name will be acceptable to a child as an adult in a potentially serious job. Nicknames are always a possibility if the name is a bit of a mouthful for a baby or child.

Our DD's name would pass the judge test easily, it just doesn't suit her now that we know her well. It's too meek and mild and she's not turning out to be either thank goodness.

[Hedwig3]

Don't worry, she will have options as she can call herself whatever she likes without deed poll.

You only need deed poll for certain documents.

[sparkleandspin]

That's true. I'm not sure we will bother then. We should leave it up to her.

Thanks for the advice!