How do I find proof my Nan changed her name if it isn't in the London Archives?

[ConvexBetty]

I need to prove that I am related to my Nan so that I can receive money I have been left in a will.

The will states that Jane Doe's grandchildren are to receive money.

I have documents to show her marriage to my mother's father(when she bacame Jane Smith), then another marriage(when she became Jane Jones), but no document to show her change of name from second marriage to the name she uses now. She has dementia and doesn't know who I am so I can't ask her about this.

I have checked, but her name change was not taken to the high court and so is not in the archives.

How do I prove that I am related to her?
This is so bloody complicated.

I can show I am related to Jane Jones but not that Jane Jones is Jane Doe.

The will solicitors have said I could ask them to look into it but I don't want to have to pay them if I can find out. I really need a nudge in the right direction.
I amgoing to call the local archives to see if there are electoral records I could use to show her with both names at the same address 2 years running, living with the man whose will it is.

Please ask questions to clarify things as I know it is complicated but it isn't easy to explain.
I need to show this so that me, my children, my sister, her children and my brother can inherit from the will. Things have already been held up.

Could you use something like her NHS or NI number? Those would presumably show her original name, and if she's being paid a pension then the state must be reasonably sure she is the same person.

Can I just clarify?

She was born Jane X
married husband 1 & became Jane SMITH
married husband 2 & became Jane JONES

then at some later point, not a marriage?, she became Jane DOE?

She is now known as Jane DOE?

Does she have any official documents, passport, etc?

Justkeepswimming yes that is right, she didn't want to get married to Mr Doe so she changed her name to Mrs Doe instead. She is now known as Jane Doe and has a passport with this name on so must have had a document to apply for a passport in her new name. We have cleared her house as she is in a home and have found nothing that will help.

AMum- I was wondering if that might do. I was going to call a solicitor that was helpful before with answrring a query. Would they be able to access that info though? I can't as I don't have power of attorney or anything.

She doesn't know who you are, but does she know who she is?

Has her dementia reached the point that her word will have no legal force of any kind, or would it be possible to have her witnessed (somehow) confirming that she is Jane Jones formerly Smith née X?

I am waiting to hear back from relative who has gone to see if she can sign her name so we'll see what she signs.
I'll ask relative to ask her who she thinks she is.
I don't live close so doing it all at a distance online and with phone calls. Not hopeful though

If the documents don't work, would a DNA test work?

To change her name for her passport, if this was done fairly recently, she would, I think, have had to have done it by deed poll or sworn affidavit. Would her personal solicitor have a copy of this?

NI number also good idea. Doctor's records? Passport in earlier name?

After looking at what documents I do have, I have narrowed her name change to between 1967 and 1976.
I am also going to try and look at electoral records as I know where she lived and it might have consecutive years but with different names.

What happens if you order a copy of her birth certificate? I have changed my name and when I order a copy, it has my new name and my old name in brackets.

Would this site help?

Though it does say you might not find a record of the name change on the top right

Found a record of them on the electoral roll with 2 consecutive years which show her change of name. Solicitors seem happy with it so i'll be packaging all the paper work and sending it off.

Well done, that must be a relief for you all :)