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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be utterly confused and ask a lot of questions

16 replies

Headdesk · 07/04/2015 11:38

Kind of a thread about a thread, I didn't want to impose on their thread.
I'm currently in the process of getting divorced (waiting for my nisi thing) and I want to change my name, my whole name, first and surname. No one calls me by the actual first name anyway and I like my nickname so I want to change it to that.
Anyway I was reading the other 'changing my surname' thread and someone posted the free deed poll link and I have a few questions.
Can I actually do it for free? Most places I found charge between £30-£60.
Do I just print it off and sign in with witnesses and it's legal or do I have to get a solicitor to sign it?
Do I just take the forms into the bank to change my name? Ditto passport renewal?
Sorry for all the questions but it's really confusing me. I suppose my aibu would be AIBU to go to all this effort just to change my name haha!

OP posts:
Delilahfandango · 07/04/2015 11:41

When I divorced and changed back to my maiden name I didn't do anything legal - I just informed anyone who needed to know that I was now known as ms fandango - was accepted by everyone with no problem!

Original poster
Headdesk · 07/04/2015 11:42

Even banks and things like that?

OP posts:
Salmotrutta · 07/04/2015 11:45

You can all yourself anything you like (without going through the hoopla) as long as you aren't doing it to break the law.

Your not planning on becoming a hit woman with multiple identities or anything are you? Grin

Original poster
Headdesk · 07/04/2015 11:51

Damn, you figured it out Grin
I'm just worried it will be a pain with the banks and stuff. I can't afford to change my passport until June so do I have to wait until then?

OP posts:
Delilahfandango · 07/04/2015 12:00

Yeah banks and tax and that - don't think I had a passport then. I must admit it was very liberating to not be saddled with his name anymoreSmile

OnIlkleyMoorBahTwat · 07/04/2015 12:02

For your passport, just use it until it runs out and then apply in your new name. Just make sure the name you book any flights and holidays in matches your passport. The people at the airport don't know what name you use.

Original poster
Headdesk · 07/04/2015 12:03

I'm just looking forward to a fresh start :) I just wanted to do it before I graduate next year so my new name is on my degree.

OP posts:
contortionist · 07/04/2015 12:08

Yes, you can do it completely for free. I recommend getting some good-quality paper - I had some problems with people accepting a deed-poll printed on usual white printer paper.

Also, print out (and sign / get witnessed) several copies. You can then send everyone who wants one the 'original' deed poll.

shellistar · 07/04/2015 12:11

Just so you know my bank (Halifax) refused to let me change my name back and my work were very pathetic when it came to allowing me to change it back without a deed poll (even though they'd not required my marriage cert for the original name change). I searched online and got one for £10 just to avoid the fuss. Dead easy, you make an online declaration and they post you an official form which you have a witness sign.

Original poster
Headdesk · 07/04/2015 12:13

I don't really understand why they send you forms to fill in and sign but you don't send them back? The whole thing confuses me.

OP posts:
Opipjo · 07/04/2015 12:23

We completely changed our surname. I married DH and took his surname, but a few years ago we decided to change our surname and our DC's, and did it for free. Used posh paper and got several copies, as Contortionist say's.

Original poster
Headdesk · 07/04/2015 12:25

So if you can do it for free why are these places charging for it? Or is it a case of people don't know you can do it for free so they rely on that?

OP posts:
shellistar · 07/04/2015 12:29

You make an online statement saying that you will no longer be known as Jane Doe but Sarah Smith and they post you the legal documentation to sign. Mine has an "official stamp"

When the paperwork comes through you check its correct and sign it with a witness.

You don't send it back cos it's yours. It's simply a legal declaration that you will be henceforth known as Sarah Smith. You only need to show the official looking documentation to the people you need to change your names with. That's it, it's simples!

Opipjo · 07/04/2015 12:34

I think it must be a case of people not knowing. I can send you a message later with the details of where DH sorted ours from, if you like.

Original poster
Headdesk · 07/04/2015 13:31

I'm using the freedeed.org thing and getting two witnesses to sign. I'm excited, I've been waiting so long to change my name

OP posts:
Delilahfandango · 08/04/2015 08:56

Congratulations headdeskSmile as I said before, I felt hugely elated when I'd changed mine!

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