What's in a name? Question on name changing.

[zoggs]

I have used my married name since I divorced 12 years ago. Haven't used my maiden name for about 18 years. Probably getting married again within next couple of years. I would like to use my maiden name as either a second middle name or a surname as well as taking my DP's surname. So I would go from being "Mrs Zoggs EXHname" to "Mrs Zoggs Maidenname DPname"

Does it matter whether my maiden name is officially a middle name or a surname? Don't really want to hyphenate.

Do I need to go down the deed poll route or can it be done by marriage? The only new name that I will acquire is DP's surname.

Also, I would like to add my maiden name as a middle name for DS (age 7). He has had my DP's surname since birth and we would continue to use just that surname so it wouldn't be a major change but I would like it to be all official.

Any advice appreciated. Hope this is all comprehensible.

Changing your own name is pretty easy, a solicitor can draw you up a Statutory Declaration setting out your new name pretty cheaply (I usually charge around £50-£75)

Children are more complicated, this part of the CAB website gives good advice: www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/family/change_of_name.htm

Don't know about DCs, but when I got married I got rid of the middle name i was given by parents and substituted it with my surname, so I am now: Mrs FeelingEvil MaidenName DHsurname, (no hyphen) IYSWIM.

I didn't go down any official route or deed poll route, just wrote to the bank, etc. and changed it. Also, changed the name on passport and Drivers Licence no probs. As I recall, they needed to see marriage certificate.

Thanks Seabright. Would I still need a Statutory Declaration if I changed my name on marriage?

FeelingEvil, do you call yourself Mrs MaidenName DHsurname or just Mrs DHsurname? I mean for things like passport, bank, work etc.

On all official paperwork I'm called Mrs MaidenName DHSurname, and that's how I refer to myself.

For work, I'm Ms MaidenName
(which sometimes causes confusion when colleagues book flights, etc. for me and I tell them my official name).

For family things, like when filling out DD's nursery forms, I'm known just as Mrs DHSurname.