Have you changed your name?

[Arlanymor]

So after I got divorced I changed my surname back to my maiden name - fairly standard, had a statement from the solicitor which they ratified and then I took it to the bank and sent copies to the government for my passport to be reissued in my maiden name etc.

This is a bit different, I want to change my first name - not the name that I am known by, I am one of those weird Welshies who has always gone by their middle name - but I have always disliked my first name and felt very removed from it. I was given the same initials as my father, so I plan to change my first name so that the initial is the same - C - but the name itself is different. I am sick and tired of getting official letters addressed to Miss C Surname… no matter how many forms you fill in to say ‘known as!’ Even my bank card is Miss C Surname, despite the fact my signature is Miss Middle Name Surname!

So I was thinking of going for a full deed poll change - last time my solicitor thing was included in the price of my divorce so it was straightforward - but in this day and age of money laundering etc, I really want it to be properly formally registered as my first name so that my poll card, doctor’s appointments, literally everything is Miss New First Name Middle Name Surname.

Looking online I think it costs less than £50 and is relatively easy to accomplish? I’m seeing my dad next week and will talk to him about it - I think he’ll be very supportive, but I don’t want to just change a name chosen for me without any conversation - in fact I am almost thinking of asking for it as a Christmas present! Has anyone done it via this route and has any suggestions?

I’m also very excited about new name as I have been chewing over it for a while and in the last week this new name has come up twice in random places (not a common name - I don’t know anyone else called it, but it is a real name), so I think this is the universe giving me the final nudge in the right direction!

I changed my name by Deed Poll during Covid as the Courts had ground to a halt and my divorce was taking ages and I didn't want to have my ex's surname. It is really straightforward. You literally just prepare the statement and have it signed by two witnesses. Then you write to everyone, sending them an original of the Deed. That's it. I think I did driving license first, as that gives you photo ID in case I needed ID urgently.

Info on it here: https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll

Fab thank you, having just done the power of attorney stuff for my parents I was wondering if this was equally onerous (although we got there in the end!) Brilliant, will speak to my dad on Wednesday and then hopefully forge ahead - do you mind me asking how long it took to get things registered with the government? Thanks again for your response - totally get not wanting to have your ex’s surname, I paid for a same day passport replacement because I was going on holiday with a new beau and didn’t want to go under my married name - god divorces take forever don’t they?!

I did the same, although I changed my surname. It was around 15 years ago now.

If I'm remembering right I ordered a pack online, had the witnesses sign it, then sent it off. They send multiple copies of a certificate back and you then use this to change your details on official documents like drivers license and passport.

You can do it by statutory declaration and it costs virtually nothing (maybe £5 for a solicitor signature if you don't know any) and is quicker.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7a5cafed915d71db8b1817/19049-statutory-declaration.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/names-evidence-to-change-a-name/names-evidence-to-change-a-name-accessible

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/names-evidence-to-change-a-name/names-evidence-to-change-a-name-accessible#Statutory_declaration_used

That’s what I had before during my divorce. Is there a massive difference between that and deed poll do you know? It didn’t matter so much before as I was going back to an original name, but this time I am making a significant change.

@Arlanymor A deed poll and a statutory declaration are, to the best of my knowledge, identical in legal effect.

It's just that most people have heard of a deed poll and haven't heard of a statutory declaration.

I used a stat dec to change my first and middle names, was fine for passport, driving license, banks etc, never had any issues at all and it took less than 30 mins to do.

Really helpful, thanks so much. I really appreciate it. Have just emailed my parents asking if they are comfortable with the change - as my first name is one they chose for me after all - I am sure they will be fine, but it’s manners and respect isn’t it? And if they are happy then full steam ahead for a new first name in 2025!