Deed Poll

[Chie]

If someone makes a will the includes you as a beneficiary, and then you change your surname without letting them know, is the will still binding when they die? Do they have to change your surname in their will, or can you just use your Deed Poll document to get round it after they've died?

Also, if you change your surname by Deed Poll and then YOU die, which name goes on your death certificate? Your new name, or the original one on your birth certificate?

[Ethel]

Re the Will.

It doesn't matter how many times the name is changed, provided they can prove they are the intended beneficiary. Your deed poll should show all previous names, and this will be good enough.

Death Certificate
The new name will be lead name, but it will also show the previous name(s), in the form of n�e for a woman and n� for a man, or formerly known as...