Expert guides and advice
There are two ways to change a child's first name in England and Wales: the registrar's one-time 12-month window to amend the birth register, or a child deed poll at any age. Here is exactly how each works, what it costs, and who has to consent.
An adoption order automatically changes the child's surname and triggers a new birth certificate. Here's how that works, how to also change first or middle names, and exactly when to do it.
The definitive UK guide to changing a child’s surname by deed poll: who with parental responsibility must consent, the exact step-by-step process, and how to update your child’s passport, school and GP records afterwards.
You don't have to wait for the decree absolute to change your name. A deed poll lets you revert to your maiden name or take a new surname at any point during divorce proceedings. Here's the timing, the implications and how to do it properly.
Some couples don’t want either surname - they want a brand-new one. Here’s exactly how to mesh, blend or invent a shared married name by deed poll in the UK, what’s allowed, real examples and the costs involved.
Hyphenated and merged (meshed) surnames are not the same thing. Here is the precise difference between Smith-Jones and a blended name like Smason, whether each is legal in the UK, how you create one, and the pros and cons of both.
