Changing name..

[missjef]

I am 18 years old and i am wanting to know how you would go about changing my surname. My Mum and Dad have been divorced since i was very young and i have his surname and i am wanting to have it changed, how would i go about this? What kind of costs are involved?
Also what can i change it too?

many thanks x

[Pippa68]

You can ask a solicitor to draw up a deed poll ~ not sure how much it costs nowadays but when I did it 9 years ago it was �50.

However the solicitor did tell me that I didn't need this document really..you can just say one day that you now wish to be known as Joe Bloggs and as long as you haven't done this for illegal purposes (escaping debt, fraud etc) it is perfectly ok. Mind you when I had to change my details at the bank they did want to see my deed poll document, so it was a good job I had it :o)

Mr P had his name changed by his mum to his stepfathers surname. All was well for years until he wanted to get married ~ as the name was different to his birth certificate he then changed it by deed poll..so this is the route I would recommend for you!

As for the name you choose, it is completely up to you. Maybe your mothers maiden name? or just pick a favourite out of a hat, LOL.

[missjef]

thanks Pippa, does it cost to get bank details or passport changed?

[Pippa68]

It didn't cost me anything to get those changed, missjef ~ but as I say it was a while ago so things may well be different now. I can't see why they would charge you to change your details but you never know, eh?

Good luck...and hope you choose a good name :o)

[missjef]

thanks for your help pippa!

[meglet]

I changed my name earlier this year, its so simple and you DON'T need a solicitor. All you do is log on to www.ukdps.co.uk and fill out your current name and the new name you want (very tempting to add a few as well). You then pay a fee (from memory it was about �30) and they then send you out the documents. You can them couriered over to you if your desperate but mine turned up the next day. You then get someone to witness it and you're done! I would recommend doing this properly (i.e. getting a deed poll document) as you are bound to need it in the future.

[devcom]

You can have a company like http://www.deedpollservice.com prepare a Deed Poll for you for about �25. The only other costs you will incur will be the fee to have your passport reissued etc. Other companies like banks will not charge you for the change.