Our names are an essential part of our identities. There are many personal reasons why someone might decide to change their name, for example following a marriage or a divorce.

A Change of Name Deed is a formal document which permits you to formally and legally change your name. There are two types of deed: enrolled and unenrolled. The distinction between the two is that an enrolled Deed will be placed on public record through an announcement in the London Gazette and you must be over the age of 18 to do so.

Although you can choose your new name, there are various restrictions when changing your name such as not using vulgar or offensive terms. A change of name will generally be accepted as long as its purpose does not have some criminal benefit.

You can also change the name of a child under the age of 16. However, all the individuals with parental responsibility need to consent to the child’s change of name. If there is someone with parental responsibility who does not agree, an application will need to be made for a Specific Issue Order to obtain the court’s permission.