Adult

 

There may be a number of reasons why you may wish to change your name e.g. following a Divorce or Separation etc.  You can change your name if:-

 

  • You are 18 or over and
  • You hold a British Passport or are a Commonwealth citizen residing in the UK. 

 

We at Paris Smith can offer you advice and assistance if you would like to change any part or all of your name.  Our family lawyers are able to provide a prompt service at a fixed price.  Katy Wilkinson, a paralegal within the Department, is usually able to prepare a change of name deed within 24 or 48 hours.

 

Child

 

Changing the name of your child can be quite a sensitive issue and before you do this you will need to obtain the consent of everyone who has parental responsibility.  There is a risk that the change could be opposed, particularly if it involves dropping the name of the other parent.

 

If there is a dispute then the court may have to decide whether or not the child's name should be changed.  Any one of our family solicitors can offer you sensitive advice through this difficult process.