Name change for child help please

[SwankyPants]

My 16 year old son wants to change his name.
We are partway theough doing it via a solicitor, but the solicitor has been useless (whole other story)
I've seen people say it can be done for free so does anyone know if it's different going through a solicitor or if doing it through the free websites.
Will it give him the same legal rights etc?
Thanks

You can change his name for free. It will be perfectly valid. You can find the form of words you need to use at www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll. As it says on that page, some organisations may insist on an enrolled deed poll which costs £42.44 but, in my experience, it is very unlikely you will need that. Your son will have no problem getting a passport and driving licence in his new name,

Thank you!