Guides and updates about changing your name by Deed Poll in the UK
Worried about your ex finding out about your name change? Whether you are looking for a fresh start after a breakup or fleeing a difficult situation, we explain your right to privacy when changing your own name—and the strict legal red lines regarding your children.
Choosing a name should be a happy milestone, but what happens when you and your partner can't agree? From fathers wanting their surname carried on to mothers wanting to keep their own, we explore the legal standoff rules for adults and the strict regulations for naming children.
The honeymoon is booked, but what name should be on the ticket? We explain the strict rules for updating your UK passport and driving licence after marriage, including costs, forms (D1 vs PD2), and the critical "golden rule" for travel.
Divorce proceedings can drag on for months, but you don't have to wait to reclaim your identity. We explain how to legally change your name while you are separated—using a Deed Poll—and how this affects your ongoing divorce paperwork.
Bored of tradition? Many UK couples are now choosing to create an entirely new surname after marriage—whether by 'meshing' their existing names or picking something fresh. We explain why a Marriage Certificate isn't enough for this route and how to use a Deed Poll to make it legal.
Whether you want your spouse to match your surname or you want an ex-partner to stop using it, UK law is strict regarding consent. We explain why you cannot legally change another adult's name without their permission and the rules around "gifting" a Deed Poll.