Change of Name Solicitors

Who can make a change of name?

Most people over the age of 16 can legally change their name. A name change is acceptable unless it seeks to defraud or has some criminal benefit.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, a parent cannot override your wishes to change your name simply because they disagree with you. However, if there is a court order in place stopping you from changing your name, then you will need to wait until you are 18 years old.

If you are not a British national or have dual nationality, you can still change your name by Deed Poll. However, you also need to follow your country’s legal procedures.

Who cannot change their name?

When making a change of name, you must have the mental capacity to make the decision to do so.

Everybody who changes their name is assumed to have mental capacity, as long as they can understand and retain information and communicate their decision to others.

An unwise decision is not grounds to justify impaired mental capacity.

What is involved in changing the name of a child?

A child under the age of 16 can have their name changed by Deed Poll by a parent. In most circumstances, both people who share parental responsibility must agree to the decision.

Mothers automatically have parental responsibility for their children. Fathers usually share parental responsibility if they are either married to the child’s mother or named on the birth certificate (if the child was born after 4th May 2006).

If one parent is absent and cannot be found, changing a child’s name is still possible. Our change of name deed solicitors can advise you about this. 

Should one parent refuse permission to change their child’s name, an application can be made to court. The parent wishing to change the child’s name is required to prove that it is in their child’s best interests to do so.

Davisons Change of Name Solicitors

Whether you wish to change your name or the name of your child, Davisons Legal can help you.

Our expert family law solicitors have helped families change their child’s name due to mistakes on a birth certificate and adoption and new family circumstances. We have also helped individuals who want to change their name to feel part of a new family, to honour someone they love, or as part of changing their gender.

Whatever your reasons, we can assist you in legally changing your name to prevent any future complications. Contact us today to begin the process.