How do I change my or my child’s surname?
Anyone over 16 years of age can change their name at any time. You can alter any part of your name, add or remove names and hyphens, or edit spelling. There are two legal ways of changing a name – a change of name by statutory declaration or a change of name by Deed Poll.
Statutory declaration
We charge £120 including VAT to draft and witness your Statutory Declaration to change your name. It is a quick and easy procedure. We can take the details over the phone and we will have the Statutory Declaration ready for your signature when you first come to the office.
Certain rules and sometimes additional procedures apply if you want to change a child’s name, depending on who has parental responsibility. We can advise you about the process by telephone before you decide to go ahead.
You then would provide a photocopy or certified copy of your Statutory Declaration to anyone whom you wish to inform of the change of name.
Deed Poll
Occasionally a Statutory Declaration is not enough to prove your change of name, for example if you don’t have a passport and need to satisfy a foreign agency or a bank of your identity. Sometimes a Deed Poll is necessary. We do not deal with Deed Polls and suggest you make your application direct with the Principal Registry.
Phone our Newcastle Under Lyme office for initial free advice on 01782 627589
“A big thank you to the team at Ann McCabe Solicitors for a quick & easy procedure to change my name! Extremely helpful & everybody was so friendly & professional. Thanks so much!”
Demi, 5th May 2023
“On a couple of occasions, I telephoned Ann McCabe regarding matters and although she was unable to help at a professional level, she gave sound advice freely and without restriction. This warmed me to her business.
“Subsequently, I sought professional assistance from Adele Baskerville in updating my will. She gave freely of very sound advice and dealt with me patiently, especially as my previous will, written by another practice, had some questionable material in it. She pondered long and hard before resolving my requirements and I was thoroughly satisfied with the outcome.”
David, 17th August 2023