There are many reasons people may want a change of name, divorce chief among them. Whether you’re looking to change your own name, or your child’s name, our specialist name change solicitors are here to guide you. We can take care of the paperwork for a simple fixed fee of £210.
There are several reasons why you might want to change your name. You may wish to shorten your name by removing middle names or restore an old family surname following a divorce. You may even simply wish to change the spelling of your name. Whatever your reason, we can help.
At Slater and Gordon, we’ve helped hundreds of clients make a change of name, quickly and cost effectively. Our experienced solicitors have a wealth of experience in handling deed poll cases and can advise on the best approach for your personal circumstances. To learn more, get in touch with our team today on 0330 041 5869 or use our online form.
What is a change of name deed?
Known as a deed poll, a change of name deed is a legal document that can be used to confirm you have legally changed your name. Any part of your name can be changed; for instance, you can change the spelling, add or remove names, or restore an old family surname.
A change of name deed can either be ‘enrolled’ or ‘unenrolled’:
An enrolled deed is a public record officially recognised by the Royal Courts of Justice and may be required in certain legal circumstances.
An unenrolled deed is commonly used for most name changes and does not have to be registered. Most organisations will accept unenrolled deeds as proof of a name change
Who can make a change of name by deed?
To legally change your name, you must be over the age of 16. Almost anyone can change their name, and they do not need to have a particular reason for doing so, though it is illegal to do so for the purposes of defrauding or other criminal benefit.
There are a few exceptions. For example, if you are 16 or 17, your parents cannot stop you changing your name simply because they do not agree, though if there is a court order in place, you’ll need to wait until you are 18.
You must also be considered to have the mental capacity to make the decision yourself. This means you need to be able to understand and retain information and communicate your decision properly to others.
If you permanently reside overseas, you can’t change your name by deed poll.
Can I get a change of name deed for my child?
A parent can change a child’s name by deed poll where all parties with parental responsibility agree and consent to the decision.
If one party does not consent to the change, it can still be possible, though an application will need to be submitted to the court requesting a Specific Issue Order. This is usually granted where it can be proved that it is in the child’s best interest for their name to be changed.
If you are thinking about applying for your child’s name to be changed by deed poll, our solicitors can provide advice and guidance on how best to manage the process. Get in touch with our expert name change solicitors on 0330 041 5869 or contact us using our online form.
How do I make a change of name?
Providing you are over the age of 16 you can take steps to change your name. We just need a few details from you including proof of current ID, then we’ll take care of all the paperwork. Within 48 hours we will have sent you your drafted Change of Name Deed, all it needs then is your signature and your name is legally changed.
We will then supply you with the certificates which allow you to legally change your name with all major institutions.
Please note, however, that if you are between 16 and 18 years of age, you are legally considered to be a minor and therefore, we cannot act for you without the permission of a legal guardian. It is possible to complete all the required forms yourself via the government website, or alternatively we would be happy to help once you had turned 18.
If you're already in contact with us, for example, if you're going through a divorce then simply let us know if you'd like us to handle your name change too.
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint.
C I (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf.
J B (family and personal matters case)
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued.
B L (family and personal matters case)
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s change of name solicitors?
We provide a personal approach and talk you through the legal requirements to make sure no mistakes are made so that you've got peace of mind that all the paperwork is correct.
We ensure that your name change is valid with all entities with which you need to advise of the change, for example with your bank, the Passport Agency, or DVLA.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of family solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We offer affordable, expert legal advice on divorce and child arrangements. Book a consultation for clear guidance and next steps. Our assessment helps you understand your situation and make informed decisions. Consultation charged at £150 for 45 minutes.
Tailored advice
We understand that family situations differ – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Frequently asked questions about change of name deeds
How much does a name change solicitor cost?
To make a change of name by deed poll, we charge a simple fixed fee of £210 (inclusive of VAT). Our experienced team will assist with all the paperwork required, including drafting the deed, and ensure you are provided with certified copies of the change of name deed. We will also advise you on who can witness the deed.
How long does the change of name deed process take?
The process of changing your name by deed is quite simple and therefore does not take very long at all. Once you reach out to our team, we’ll get the process started right away and prepare the documentation. In most cases, you’ll have a drafted change of name deed within 48 hours.
For anyone needing help with family issues I could not recommend Slater and Gordon highly enough. I always had the feeling I had the best looking after my interests and they certainly didn't disappoint. C I (family and personal matters case)
Matters were dealt with efficiently with a view to keeping costs to a realistic level and I am well satisfied with the final settlement she managed to achieve on my behalf. J B (family and personal matters case)
The best solicitors to fight your corner! I struggled with a nasty unmarried couple dispute alone for over a year before biting the bullet and paying for proper legal support. I had one previous experience with a cheaper less well known solicitor and I just felt completely let down and not a priority. But with S&G - from start to finish, I felt supported 100% and valued. B L (family and personal matters case)