How to legally change your name in the UK
Change your name by Deed Poll is a legal process that allows you to formally change your name and have it recognized across various official records and institutions. This process is widely used in the UK and other countries, and it provides a straightforward and efficient way to legally adopt a new name. Whether you want to change your name due to marriage, divorce, personal preference, gender transition, or other reasons, a Deed Poll can help you achieve your goal.
What is a Deed Poll?
A Deed Poll is a legal document that declares a change of name. The term “deed poll” comes from the format of the document, which is different from other legal documents such as deeds, which involve multiple parties and are “polled” or cut on one side. A Deed Poll is unique because it involves only one party—the individual changing their name.
Reasons for Changing Your Name
There are various reasons why someone might choose to change their name:
- Marriage or Divorce: Many people change their last name when they get married or divorced. Women often take their spouse’s surname upon marriage, while others may choose to adopt a hyphenated or combined surname.
- Personal Preference: Some