by Silva Payne

Created on: April 19, 2009

Names matter. If you were given a name at birth that somehow you haven't grown in to, or you wish to take your spouses name when you get married, there are certain legal requirements that you should adhere to. However, in England, there is no legal requirement to use a different name to the one you were born with as long as you do not do it with the intent to defraud anyone. So if you were christened Charles but want to be known as Alfred, you can do so without doing anything more than informing everyone of your intent. If you want to use your new name on legal documents or to open bank accounts with, then you will need to make the change legally instead.

When a woman gets married, there is no legal requirement for her to take her husband's surname, though most women do so. If you are professionally known by your maiden name, that would be a simple reason to keep it. If you want to change your name, you will need to send your marriage certificate (always by recorded delivery if you are sending original documents, and keep a copy for yourself) along with whatever document you wish to amend, so for example your driving licence, to the issuing office. Some organisations may require you to also fill in a change of name form, so it is a good idea to contact them before you send off your documents just in case you need a form from them to accompany it. You may need to provide several evidences of your new signature, so it is also wise to practice a little before hand, and come up with a new signature that feels comfortable to you and that you will remember! You should inform any utility companies, local councils, banks and building societies, credit card and insurance companies, and anyone else you have financial or legal dealings with about your change of name as soon as you can after the change has become legal.

In England you can also change your name legally by deed poll provided you are aged over 18. People aged under 18 must have their name changed legally by a person or persons with parental responsibility for the minor and anyone with parental responsibility for the minor must consent to the change of name. There is no restriction on what you can call yourself; there are people walking around with the names of the entire squad of their favourite football team as their own name. Remember though, that multiple middle names will not fit on to most application or registration forms as the character limit is usually only enough for an average first and surname. To change your name by deed poll, you can either make an appointment with a solicitor (for which you will pay a fee) or print off the documentation from the internet. If you choose to see a solicitor, you will need to provide your current identification documentation. The change of name paperwork will be witnessed by a member of staff at the solicitor's office, then you will be given the deed itself and you can also ask for certified copies. The deed can only be issued once, so you must keep it safe. If you choose to do the paperwork yourself, you will need to print off the form, fill in your new name and sign it in front of a witness who will also need to sign the document, and then you can use the deed to inform official authorities of your new name. Deeds can also be registered (or enrolled) in the Central Office of the Supreme Court, to provide a public record of your name change. There is a fee for this of around 25, but this is not a legal requirement for changing your name by deed poll. If you do decide to enroll your deed with the Supreme Court, your new name will be published in the London Gazzette.

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