A change of name can be a change of forename, surname, adding or
removing parts of the name, adding hyphens, or even changing the
spelling. A deed poll is a legal document that is witnessed that
proves a change of name.

There are two ways to change the name of a child under the age
of 16. You can either:

1. Make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll; or




2. Apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll.

An ‘unenrolled’ deed poll for a child must be drafted by
either a solicitor or a specialist deed poll agency. An
‘unenrolled’ deed poll is a legal document confirming the
change of name that is not then registered at the Royal Courts of
Justice.

An ‘enrolled’ deed poll will provide a public record of
the name change, as details of the name change are published in the
London Gazette online. To complete an ‘enrolled’ deed poll,
there is a specific application form which needs to be completed,
and there is a cost to submit the form to the Royal Courts of
Justice.

Who can change a child’s name?

All people with parental responsibility for the child must agree
to the change of name. It is recommended that you obtain the
written consent of all those with parental responsibility so that
this can be used as evidence, should there be a dispute in future.
In addition, certain organisations may request this confirmation
when changing the child’s name on certain documentation.

What if we cannot agree on the change of name?

If you and the other person or people with parental
responsibility cannot agree on the change of name and you still
wish to pursue the change of name, an application to the court for
a Specific Issue Order would be necessary.

What will the court consider if I do need to apply for a
Specific Issue Order?

The court’s primary consideration with such an application
and whether or not to allow the change of name is whether doing so
is in the child’s best interests.

Each case is fact-dependent and the court will consider all
circumstances in the case. Some considerations of the court will
be:

• When the issue of a change of name was first raised and the
  circumstances;




• The reasons for the proposed change of name;




• The length of time the child has been known by their existing
  name;




• The effect on the child should the change of name be permitted
  and if it is not;




• Depending on the child’s age, their wishes, and feelings on
  the proposed change.

The court will also look for reassurance that the motivation
behind the change of name is not to reduce the role or significance
of the other parent in the child’s life.

Case law on the issue highlights that an application made for
convenience sake is unlikely to succeed and therefore if you are
considering making an application for a Specific Issue Order, we
recommend that you should seek early legal advice.

How does this differ to changing your name as an adult?

As an adult you do not need follow a process to start using a
new name. However, certain organisations may insist upon a deed
poll. Adults can make an ‘unenrolled’ deed poll, which can
be drafted by a solicitor, a specialist deed poll agency or, as an
adult, you are able to draft it yourself. You also have the option
of applying for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll.

You do not need a deed poll to take your spouse’s or civil
partner’s surname following marriage or civil partnership.

If you divorce or end your civil partnership, it is possible to
revert to your original name by showing your marriage certificate
and decree absolute/final order or civil partnership certificate
and final order. It is recommended that you check with each
organisation as some may insist upon a deed poll to make the name
change.

It is neither a legal nor a practical requirement to enrol a
deed poll, but you must ensure it meets the correct formalities. If
unsure, you should seek legal advice.