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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To change my surname?

41 replies

Sookeh · 01/05/2012 14:55

I have the surname of a man I was abused by for a long time (step-father) I'm also engaged but due to lack of money and a rough patch I doubt me and my partner will be getting married for quite some time.
I have bad depression but am making positive changes in my life and I think getting rid of this surname is a positive step.
WIBU to change my surname to something I choose until my DP and I get married? Or is it a stupid idea?

OP posts:

Original poster

Sookeh · 01/05/2012 15:47

Brilliant, thanks so much for the advice.

My mum thinks I'm being "overly-dramatic" so I'm glad to see other people don't think that.

OP posts:

labelwriter · 01/05/2012 15:51

I changed mine years ago, took 10 minutes in solicitor and I am sure you can also do it really quickly online using deed poll and documents all fine for passports etc. I would do it, I changed mine for reasons similarish and felt great about it and I got to choose quite a cool last name! (hated my old one).

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 01/05/2012 18:12

I went to college with a girl who had issues with her Dad and had not really been part of his life just her and her Mum, she changed her name to first name then Elleschild cos her mum was called ellanor or something similar. I thought this was so good.
if you are out there and know that I mean you PM me!

accountantsrule · 01/05/2012 18:18

I changed my name by deedpoll - it was £14.99 online and it came straight through via e-mail and i had it signed by another accountant in the office. Got new passport, driving licence etc.

I did it as my divorce hadn't come through and I didn't want my DS (by new DH) to have a different surname to me etc so just thought it would be easier rather than going back to my maiden name. I made it VERY clear to my other half that it did not substitute a wedding, inspite of the many jokes he made about it! We did get married 3 1/2 years later after we had DS2.

FrozenChocolate · 01/05/2012 18:24

It's free to change your name, google free deedpoll or similar

All you pay for is a new passport and driving licence.

boredandrestless · 01/05/2012 18:24

I almost posted the same question this morning sookeh! I am single and surname is my dad's (who was abusive and I have no contact with). I say go for it . Your mum is entitled to her opinion but it doesn't mean her word is law, I can completely understand your reasons for wanting to change surname.

The only thing putting me off is cost.

Anyone on here know the cost relating to passport, driving licence, etc if I change my surname?

minipie · 01/05/2012 18:25

I'd change it yes.

What about changing to your mum's surname? Might mollify her

DinahMoHum · 01/05/2012 18:25

go for it. It will be liberating!! its only about £50 to do it by deed poll.

Can you change it to your original surname or your mums maiden name>?

FrozenChocolate · 01/05/2012 18:38

IT'S FREE TO FECKIN CHANGE IT BY DEED POLL

TalkinPeace2 · 01/05/2012 19:03

www.justice.gov.uk/courts/rcj-rolls-building/queens-bench/enforcement

if you are paying for Deed poll, it is a money grabbing company charging you for it
there is NO FEE from the UK Govt

look for .gov.uk on the end of the website .....

redwineformethanks · 01/05/2012 19:14

Deed poll is English procedure, unclear where you live, OP. It's a bit of a hassle, but no worse than changing name on marriage. Main thing is to choose one name and run with it, no chopping and changing

camdancer · 01/05/2012 19:18

My DH just changed his name by deed poll. He had to download a form and print it out. Got 2 people to witness it. That's it. He did buy some fancy paper 'cos he wanted to do it proper-like, but otherwise it was free. And it took about 10 mins. It was really easy.

boredandrestless · 01/05/2012 19:30

Does anyone posting on here know how much it would cost to change my name on my current passport and driving licence please??

topbannana · 01/05/2012 20:08

Passport is £77.50 (the same as a renewal) and I am about to pay £25 for my driving license ( though I need a new photo so you may only pay the fee for that)
For my fee I got a proper certificate that will be accepted by the passport office, not too sure if they would accept one you had printed out yourself

FrozenChocolate · 01/05/2012 20:33

The one you print out yourself has all the legal wording on, you just need two witnesses. Print it on thick cream paper if you like but I just printed it on normal photocoying paper. I did about ten copies, some people I sent it to did not return it. Still got about 5 left I think.

nickelhasababy · 02/05/2012 13:22

yes, you literally just need something that documents that you have changed your name, and that you are habitually using it - the reason you have witnesses is to prove that you're not trying to do anything illegal with your new name.
(they act the same way that the person who signs your passport photo - it's just "yes, I agree that this is correct and the person is who they say they are"

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