Changing Surnames.........

12 replies

zephyrcat · 16/01/2006 09:51

When I was born my Mum and Dad weren't married so my birth certificate was in my Mum's maiden name. They got married when I was 2 and changed my surname to my Dad's - for which I got another birth certificate. I used my Dad's name all my life and got my NI number etc in that name.I would like to change everything back to my Mum's maiden name and have pretty much changed everything except my NI number, doctors records, tax credits, child benefit etc and was wondering if anyone knows if I have to do it 'officially' or if I can just advise them that I am going back to my birth name?

OP posts:

Berries · 16/01/2006 10:03

you can just inform everyone &it's legal, but I think it does help if get a solicitor to write a formal document. Can't remember what it's called, bu you then have a legal document to send in to insurance companies etc (insurance & mortgage companies were the worst). Shouldn't cost much, about £80 I think. Dh did this when dd1 was born, as he changed his name to mine.
HTH, can ask him more questions about it later if you like.

Kelly1978 · 16/01/2006 10:07

I think you can also publish your name change in the local paper to make it more legal. This acts as evidence that you have changed ur name, nad is a cheaper alternative to using a solicitor.

Kelly1978 · 16/01/2006 10:08

oh and legal change of name by using a solicitor is a deed poll.

Original poster

zephyrcat · 16/01/2006 10:10

Do you reckon I'll still have to get an extra legal document when I've still got my original birth certificate? (I'm fairly sure they should have taken it when they drew up my other one but have used it for a prov driving licence with no probs!)

Just don't want to send it off to anyone too official - ie inland rev and get into trouble for using it!

OP posts:

Berries · 16/01/2006 10:14

You don't actually need a deed poll, I think its called a declaration and is cheaper, just witnessed by the solicitor. The real use is for sending to all the people you already have accounts & stuff with in your previous name. It's amazing how difficult it is to get some people to accept that you really are Ms X, you've just changed your name.

Original poster

zephyrcat · 16/01/2006 19:11

OP posts:

spursmum · 16/01/2006 19:15

You could always Google deed polls and do it online. I did with my ds and it was so much cheaper as no solicitors fees. Cost £18 i think.

knat · 16/01/2006 19:28

~you don't need to deed poll it's called a Change of Name Deed and is really quick and easy to do and is quite cheap at your local solicitors.

Original poster

zephyrcat · 16/01/2006 19:31

Do I still need to do that if I have my original birth certificate though?

OP posts:

knat · 17/01/2006 20:59

i would think that if the organisations etc you need tocontact should be happy enoughw ith you original birth certificate but if not Chang eof Name is the easiest option.

grammaticus · 18/01/2006 18:27

change of name deed is only evidence of change - does not actually effect the change iyswim. your birth cert will be fine. no need to do anything else.

sunnydelight · 18/01/2006 18:54

You can be known by any name you wish as long as there is no "intention to defraud".

Flip