Name change question

[CandyApplePie]

I’m wanting to change my sons middle name by deed poll but getting a bit confused, does unenrolled mean it’s not an official name change? As enrolled seems quite confusing and says I need two witnesses which I’m guessing has to be solicitors which will be costly. Is an unenrolled deed poll not an official name change?

How old is your child?

Unenrolled means you are making a statement that you wish to be now known as your new name. Some places eg banks will not accept this. If your child is under 16 you have to use a solicitor or specialist agency.

Enrolled is registered and your new name is put on public record.

Thank you. He is 10, we will go down the official route then as I want it changed on everything.

You absolutely do not need to use a solicitor or particular agency.

Anyone can do a deed poll. You just need to follow the rules and get permission from everyone who has parental responsibility.

The government website said differently for someone under 16. Is that not correct?

The government website says for it to be official it needs to be an enrolled deed poll, not an unenrolled I want it to be official so I can change it everywhere and totally get rid off it. I want an official name change that will be recognised everywhere I don’t think unenrolled allows for it to be changed everywhere?

If the father has PR, you need his consent or a court order to change your son's name.

Most organisations will be happy with an unenrolled deed poll, which won't cost you anything. This is how we changed my stepson's surname and there have never been any issues. Schools, doctors, banks, the passport office, etc. have all accepted his new surname.

Anyone can witness your signature on a change of name deed. You don't need a solicitor for this.

No issues with PR it’s just to change his middle name he already has my surname. This is what I’m talking about, says witnesses? I’ve been told if it’s unenrolled it won’t be accepted by passport or on exam papers so I want to do it the proper way and make sure it’s fully remixed.

Is there a dad who has PR?

I changed DDs name via the solicitors. They sent me down the road to someone to have it signed my another solicitor. Cost a few quid.

You do not need to enroll the deed poll. Passport Office will accept in unenrolled.

The main issue parents have with deed polls is getting both parents to agree.

Yes, I know that is the form. Your signature needs to have two witnesses. As per my last post, the witnesses can be anyone. They don't have to be solicitors.

I don't know told you it won't be accepted for a passport or on exam papers, but they are wrong. As I say, we changed my stepson's name by an unenrolled change of name deed. That has been accepted by the Passport Office and by exam boards.

Ah thanks both that’s why I was confused as read conflicting things online about it being accepted. Father is not on bc so no issues with PR thankfully

Don’t take your advice from websites that sell change of name deeds. I’ve seen a few of those and they have a product to sell.