talk to me about the deed pole procedures

[ApollO88]

getting married in 29 days (eek) and we have decided that when we marry, we as a family will take my partners step dads name. so myself, hubby to be and son will need to name change. whats the process like. can someone explain?

Also son will become a child our marriage, we've been told he will need to be re-registered... can we name change him then or will he also need a deed pole?

no need for deed poll
just announce what you want to be called

Is your future hubby also the father of your child? If not, you'd need the fathers permission to change his surname. I don't know much more than that! But worth looking into.

Re: deed polls, I did this when I got married. It's true that you don't actually need one - you can choose what to call yourself as long as it's not for fraudulent reasons. The issue comes when trying to convince official places eg DVLA / passport that your name has changed, that's when the deed poll can come in handy. Worth checking what they're willing to accept.

If it makes it easier, you can do them free here is a good Guardian article. Then you have to buy a new passport and driving license (can you just wait until they run out anyway? It's what I did) and change your bank stuff etc.

Anthony - had no idea you could do it for free. That's a great link. I have changed my name myself, but didn't need a deed poll as I reverted to my birth name.

It's not really called a deed poll. That's misleading and refers to an archaic procedure that involved advertising in the London Gazette and lodging in court. You just need to have both signed a change of name deed. Keep sufficient copies to send to all the banks, DVLA etc.

If you want it showing on your passports you must do it well before the wedding.