Change My Name

[just_George]

I have been separated for over 18 months and my husband is happy where he is so I feel it's time to accept it and move on. I would like to change back to my birth name,when I do does it change rights as his wife in next of kin for hospital, finance & property. My birth name is currently my middle name so I only need to drop my husbands name,can I just do this? I know that I can call my self what I choose in general but will this be legal at the bank,property rental,on my driving licence and log book etc How do I do this and will it cost much?

[Barmaid]

Changing your name will not change any rights.

You can make an appointment at a solicitor's and make a statutory declaration which says something like "I Jane Smith, formerly known as Jane Smith Brown, hereby renounce the name of Brown for all purposes". You then get a few certified copies (certified by the solicitor) and send them to your bank/doctors etc. Make sure you keep the original safe.

[Barmaid]

And you can DIY here:-

https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll

[Old_Geezer]

I believe that you can use whatever name you wish, as long as there is no criminal intent.