Deed poll agency

[LynnThese4reSEXPEOPLE]

Has anyone ever used a Deed poll agency (people who complete the paperwork for you) to change their name? Please do you have any recommendations?

No. Do it free here…

https://freedeedpoll.org.uk/faq/

Thanks for this. The reason I ask is because Lloyd's bank have told us they don't accept unenrolled name changes. We think legally they have to, so thought an agency/solicitor might be able to help with the process.

The gov.uk website explains what you need to do and what forms you need to use.

You will need to sign two forms in front of a solicitor or other similar person like a notary public. You then post the forms to the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

The solicitor will make a charge for doing this and then to enroll the deed poll you must pay the fee of £53.05 (very odd amount, but never mind).

If you google something like "statutory declaration change of name [town you live in]" then that should give you a list of people locally who will witness your declaration.

You can apply online for the forms at this link:

https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/enrol-a-deed-poll-with-the-courts

[EDIT]

Different solicitors can charge very different fees. It is well worth shopping around to get the cheapest quote. For somebody I know, the highest quote was something like £150 more than the cheapest.

I did a deed poll for me many years again when I changed back to my maiden name.
I did all online, cost around £30, no solicitors involved or needed. I had to get two signature to witness, but that was it. You do not need an agency to do it.
Look up on the gov.uk website and they will talk you through it.

I had no issues informing anyone of name change, including my bank. I had to show my deed poll certificate.

I got a solicitor to do mine. He did the basic DIY form but on their letterhead. Both him and his receptionist thought I was nuts to pay for this considering I could do it for free and kept asking if I was sure 😬

Your bank doesn't understand the law. Talk to CAB who might be able to explain to the bank how this works.

Lloyds bank are one of only three UK banks that require this. They say on their website:

For any other reason

To change your name for any other reason, you’ll need one of the following:

Enrolled Deed Poll (not available in Scotland).

Your marriage certificate or your civil partnership registration document.

A Statutory Declaration.

Your adoption certificate.

A copy of the entry in the Registry of Corrections (Scotland only).

An amended birth certificate issued by the Registrar General, Edinburgh (Scotland only).

https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/everyday-banking/profile-and-settings/change-your-details.html

Although, personally, I do believe that Lloyds are acting unreasonably.

.

TSB and Santander also require an enrolled deed poll. I suspect that TSB only do this as they are owned by Santander

Sorry to drip feed. Essentially, we can't do enrolled because the spouse involved is a. Abusive and b. Has dementia so won't give permission for the name change. If Lloyd's would accept unenrolled, none of this would be an issue. The reason for finding an agency/solicitor is to try and put pressure on Lloyd's to accept unenrolled (as it would be dangerous for the person in question to go down the enrolled route due to abuse).

I'm aware we could go to the High Court but that seems a lot when most banks accept unenrolled and it should be entirely legal.

I am dealing with a very frightened individual who just wants to change their name and not have a constant reminder of a very traumatic time in their life. Hence, I'd be really grateful if there are any agencies recommended.

"...so won't give permission for the name change."

An adult over the age of 18 doesn't need anybody else's permission to change their name.

Is this a child under 18 that you're talking about?

If a child is 16 or 17 then they can make an unenrolled deed by themself.

For an enrolled deed for a child under 18 then everybody (typically both parents) with parental responsibility must agree in writing.

However, all of that is just for a child. If this person is an adult then they do not need anybody else's permission. Once the child turns 18 they no longer require permission.

"(as it would be dangerous for the person in question to go down the enrolled route due to abuse)"

The government website suggests that you include this information in your application:

"A public record of your name change and your address will be published in The Gazette. If you have a strong reason why your details should not be published, explain why in your application. The judge may agree to only publish your first name or surname."

I'm afraid that if you are married, you need the spouse's written permission. I did check this.

They’re wrong, and you can go over their heads to complain and have someone higher up fix it. That’s what I had to do when Halifax refused to change the name on my mortgage because of my home deed poll.

I just popped a copy in the post with a complaint letter about their branch staff not being trained properly, and it was changed straight away.

Lloyds accepted our unenrolled deed polls. I'm yet to find anyone who hasn't.

Would it be easier to change banks and then do a normal deed poll? If not, then open another current account elsewhere, do deed poll/name change, close Lloyd's bank account when safe to do so.

Although there should be another route. Apparently all banks now have departments that offer support to DA victims (Lloyd's were reported by Reuters in 2019 to have one). Can you visit a branch and ask how they can assist in this situation?

That's really good to hear. My other thought was Tweeting them as that seems to get traction

Lloyds gave us the DA advice line. It says "number not in service"...

If we have to, we will.

Is this for a child or an adult? Marital status is irrelevant either way.

Adults do not need their spouse’s permission (or anyone’s!) to change their name.

Children under 16 need both parents’ permission regardless of their marital status.

Do a Statutory Declaration then. You don't need a deedpoll.

This is absolutely wrong - at least in the UK. Are you living in some other country?

Where are you? In the UK you do not need a spouses permission to change your name.

Also if it’s a woman going back to her maiden name you don’t need a deed poll.

Fuck Lloyds

You don't need a deed poll to change your name, not do you need anyone's permission to do so, even if you are married.

Change the name via a stat Dec (I did mine after printing off a template and getting 2 friends to sign it) and switch banks. My stat Dec has been used for several different banks, passports, driving licence, visas and about 8 DBS applications.

You don’t need the spouse’s permission to change your name.

Lloyds are a real pain, they won't accept that for a married woman.

And, even after divorce, the decree absolute or final order isn't enough and they also want to see an enrolled deed poll or a copy of the birth certificate with original surname.

This is from the Gov.uk website for enrolled name changes.

If we want to change an adult, married person's name with Lloyds, they say it has to be enrolled. If we want to do enrolled, we need spousal permission, which we can't get.

The best case would be that Lloyds management agrees to take unenrolled.

For some reason, Mumsnet won't let me post the picture but the quote says "written consent of your husband, wife or partner (if you're married or in a civil partnership.)

Unless this is badly worded and refers to changing the name of a mutual child but is bundled in with other criterion?

In the UK, although I rather wish I could run away and join the circus...