CHANGE OF NAME

In England and Wales an adult can use whatever surname he or she chooses to use. Therefore anyone can choose to adopt a new surname, provided that this is not done with fraudulent intent. A married woman need not take her husband’s surname and many women are choosing to keep their maiden name.

From the point of view of the law anyone can change their name as and when they decide to do so. There are however people such as banks who may not be prepared to accept such an informal change and they will need formal proof of the name change. On marriage, generally a copy of the marriage certificate will be accepted as sufficient evidence, but otherwise the person may need to produce one of the three following documents.

• A note signed by a respected member of the community (e.g. doctor, JP, clergyman).
• A statutory declaration. This is an official way of formalising the change of name. It is a sworn statement and a solicitor would normally prepare this.
• Deed poll. This is the most formal method and is most commonly used.