Most people are familiar with the concept of a deed poll – a document used for an individual to change their name legally. In the UK, a family deed poll is a particular kind of deed poll used to change several family members' surnames simultaneously. This blog looks at how these deed polls work and when they may be needed.

How Do Family Deed Polls Work?

Most people are familiar with the concept of a deed poll – a document used for an individual to change their name legally. In the UK, a family deed poll is a particular kind of deed poll used to change several family members’ surnames simultaneously. This blog looks at how these deed polls work and when they may be needed.

Reasons For Needing a Family Deed Poll

Singular deed polls are used for many different reasons, such as a relationship or marriage breakdown, a family estrangement, negative name association and change of identity (non-binary and transgender individuals). However, family deed polls are less common. 

Reasons for needing a family deed poll include:

  • A parent’s surname is changed for any number of reasons, including marriage, divorce, or just a desire to change their name. If they have young children, they will likely want their children to have the same name as them. While some people live in households with multiple surnames, many prefer to all go by the same name.
  • Children under 16 may wish to change their name to that of a parent or step-parent. Or, indeed, change their mother’s name after a divorce. Getting separate deed polls for each person can be more expensive and inconvenient than doing this in a single document with family deed polls.

Things to Consider When Obtaining Family Deed Polls

Not for changing first names – A parent can use a family deed poll to alter their own first and middle names, but they cannot alter their children’s forenames, only their surnames.

More reasonably priced choice – Generally speaking, a family deed poll is less expensive than doing individual deed polls when several family members change their names. Less money, time and paperwork.

Requirement of parental responsibility – A family deed poll can only be requested by a parent responsible for the children it relates to. They must legally have parental responsibility.

Deed polls are not official government documents – For banks, passport agencies, and schools to update their records, you will need to present proof of the name change in the form of official identification. (passport, driving license, etc.)

If you would like to change your name, contact deedpolls.co.uk.

 

Recent Articles