Change of Name
If you are looking for help with changing your name our specialist solicitors can help you.
In addition to office meetings, we offer remote meetings by telephone or video conferencing if required.
To discuss your options call us 24/7 on 0208 004 0065 or email us at hello@southgate.co.uk
If you are aged 16 or over you are legally entitled to change your name at any time.
It is generally thought that changing your name is a long and costly process which requires a Deed Poll application and a court process. This is not true!
We offer a competitive fixed fee to prepare and implement a Change of Name deed and in most circumstances, you can have your name changed the same day you see us and this will be legally recognised in the UK.
If you seek to change the name of a child, this may be a more complicated process depending on your circumstances. It will require the written consent of all people who have parental responsibility for the child and if consent cannot be obtained you will need to consider applying for a court order.
Whether the change of a child's name is agreed by all people who have parental responsibility or contested - our expert legal team can assist you to progress and achieve the outcome you seek.
What We Can Do
We are able to assist with drafting all the relevant forms for a change of name if you are an adult. If you seek to change a child's name we can assess your position and advise on whether this is possible or whether you need to consider further legal steps.
If there is a dispute regarding the change of a child's name we can discuss and advise on a way forward, which may include an application to court if the matter is contested.
We have extensive experience in dealing with all areas of Children Law. We are members of Resolution and hold Law Society Family Law Advanced Panel Accreditation which demonstrates our knowledge, skill and expertise in this area of law.
Our Past Cases
Below are some change of name cases we have conducted in the past:
-
Court order for change of a children's first names back to the initial birth certificate registration after the mother had unanimously changed the children's names without the father's consent
-
Prevent a change of a child's surname to the surname of the step-father and ensured that the biological father's first name remains as the child's surname
What We Offer You
Expert
Solicitors
Price
Promise
Skype
Meetings
24/7
Enquiry Line
Out of Hours
Appointments
Quick
Responses
No Hidden
Fees
Modern
Service
Expedited
Services
Law Society
Accreditation
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can change their name?
You can legally change your name if you are 16 years of age or older unless there are any court orders or other restrictions in place preventing you from doing so.
Can I change my child’s name?
Yes, if all those who have parental responsibility for the child consent to the name change.
If you have sole parental responsibility, you do not need anyone else’s consent to change your child’s name.
If both parents have parental responsibility, but permission cannot be obtained from one of them, i.e. because they refuse to consent, or because their whereabouts are unknown, then a specific court order need to be obtained.
How long will it take to obtain the change of name document?
We provide a same day service for all adult change of name documents.
However, once we provide you with the documents, you will need to take it to a different solicitor’s firm to have it certified by them in your presence.
Once this has been completed the change of name is effective immediately and is a recognised legal document.
You will likely need numerous copies of the signed change of name document so that you can provide this to various organisations such as your bank, DVLA and the Passport Office.
What is the difference between a statutory declaration and a deed poll?
Both processes have the same legal standing.
A statutory declaration can be prepared on the day and will then need a second signature from another firm of solicitors. Once completed, the statutory declaration is recognised as a legal document.
For a deed poll, it is a more complex process in which various forms need to be completed and an application is made to the court for enrolment of the name. This process is slow and more costly than a statutory declaration.
Do I have to update my driving licence in my new name?
Yes — by law, you have to keep your driving licence up to date, and you must tell the DVLA about any change in your name or address.
Failure to do so could leave you with a £1,000 fine.
Do I have to update my passport in my new name?
No — there is no legal requirement to renew your passport if you change your name. Your passport will remain a valid document, and you can still travel with it.
Can I change the name on my birth certificate?
If your birth was registered in England or Wales, there are some limited circumstances when your birth certificate can be changed.
A birth certificate is generally considered a matter of fact — it was correct at the time it was issued and it cannot normally be changed.