Six most frequently asked questions regarding a name change

If you are planning to change your name, a number of questions may cross your mind. Answering these questions is crucial before you initiate the process.

Keeping that in mind, this blog post will look at the six questions that most people generally have when changing their name. 

1. Why would a name change request be denied?

Some of the common reasons are:

• You are trying to escape debt: People who plan to change their name to escape debt should recall how the law works. You will still be held liable for the debt.

• You are trying to escape criminal charges: Again. Escaping like this will not work.

• Your requested name has prohibited characters: It is neither advisable nor allowed (in most parts of the world) to add special characters or numbers to your name.

• You are trying to gain somebody else’s fame: Naming yourself after your favourite comedian is one thing and naming yourself as a successful comedian when you too are a comedian is another. Even if the application is accepted, you may be liable for a fine or copyright infringement charges.

• You couldn’t provide evidence for the requested title: If you wish to add a title to your name, you may have to provide evidence to prove that you deserve that title. For example, if you wish to be called Dr. <Your Name>, or Er. <Your Name>, or Lord <Your Name>, you will have to provide evidence.

2. What is a deed poll?

Changing your name legally in the UK is easy. You need to start using your new name every day, and as people around you adapt to the change, this new name will officially replace your old name.

However, your official documents will still have the old name and that’s where you will need a deed poll.

A deed poll is a legal document that can be used as proof that you have started using your new name and people around you have accepted it too. So, your new name can safely be printed on documents like your driving license, passport, etc.

You can also learn more about the deed poll and how it helps with a new name.

3. Will a name change affect child support, social security or other entitlements?

The answer is no. You will still be getting all the privileges that you were getting before changing your name.

4. Can someone object to my name change?

Yes. If the person raising an objection has a valid reason, your name change application may be halted or even rejected immediately.

5. How long can a name change procedure take?

We understand the excitement that you may have while undergoing a name change. But you must know that the process isn’t the quickest. It can take anywhere between 30 to 90 days for a name change to happen. 

6. Do I have to pay for a name change?

If you are about to change your name through a deed poll in the UK, you will have to pay £18.50.

Just ensure that you are aware of the procedure.

Wrapping up

One may want to change their name for a number of reasons. However, some questions regarding the name change process may come up. This post addressed six such questions to hopefully help people more aware of the process.

The editorial unit