Family law

Change of name solicitors

Changing your name is straightforward with the right support, whether it is your own name or your child's.

Book a free initial appointment Call 01543 263 456

In short

In England and Wales you can use any name you choose, but official bodies such as banks and the DVLA need a formal document, usually a deed poll, before they update their records. Ansons Law's family law solicitors prepare deed polls and statutory declarations for adults and handle changes to a child's name, which need the consent of everyone with parental responsibility or a court order. An unenrolled deed poll prepared by a solicitor typically costs £315 plus VAT.

Our fee for a deed poll: Typically £315 + VAT for an unenrolled deed poll
Adults: Usually quick and straightforward by deed poll
Children: Consent of everyone with parental responsibility, or a court order
Enrolled deed polls: A permanent record at the Senior Courts
Free initial appointment: Yes, with no obligation

How do you change your name in England and Wales?

People change their names for all sorts of reasons: after a divorce or marriage, following a gender transition or simply because they want to use a different name. In England and Wales you are free to use any name you choose, and you can start using a new name without any documentation. But for official documents, banks, the DVLA and government bodies, a formal name change document is required.

The most common route is a deed poll: a legal declaration that you are abandoning your former name and will use your new name for all purposes.

For most adults, changing your name by deed poll is quick and relatively inexpensive. We can prepare the documentation quickly. Once the deed poll is ready, we advise you on updating your driving licence, passport, bank accounts and other official records.

Why use a solicitor-prepared deed poll?

Solicitor-prepared deed polls are generally more accepted by official bodies than online alternatives. Ours are professionally drafted documents that carry weight with the DVLA, HMRC, the Passport Office and financial institutions.

A deed poll can also be enrolled at the Senior Courts for a permanent record. Where you need an enrolled deed poll, we handle the enrolment process. We also prepare statutory declarations for a change of name.

How do you change a child's name?

Changing a child's name is a separate process, and it is more complex, particularly where the other parent does not consent.

Everyone with parental responsibility must consent. Where they all agree, a deed poll can be prepared and signed by all those with parental responsibility, and the process is relatively straightforward. The child's age and wishes may also be relevant.
Where one parent refuses consent, you can apply to the family court for a Specific Issue Order under the Children Act 1989. The court will consider the child's welfare and best interests.

We handle child name changes sensitively. Where both parents agree, we make it simple; where consent is refused, we advise on the court application.

Can I change my name after a divorce?

Yes. After a divorce you can revert to your maiden name or any name you previously used, or change to a new one entirely. Your Final Order, together with your marriage certificate, is often enough for many official bodies. For some institutions a deed poll gives a cleaner document, and we can advise on the right approach.

We also prepare the documents for a name change following marriage or civil partnership.

What we do

What we can help with

Name changes for adults and children, and guidance on everything you need to do next.

Deed polls for adult name changes
Statutory declarations for a change of name
Enrolled deed polls via the Senior Courts
Name changes following divorce or separation
Name changes following marriage or civil partnership
Changing a child's name with the consent of both parents
Court applications where the other parent refuses consent
Guidance on updating official documents with the DVLA, HMRC and the Passport Office

Step by step

The name change process

For most adults, changing your name by deed poll is quick and relatively inexpensive.

Tell us your new name
We take your details, confirm what documents you need and explain the process from start to finish.
We prepare your deed poll
We draft a professionally prepared deed poll that is recognised by the DVLA, the Passport Office, HMRC and financial institutions.
Sign and witness
You sign the deed poll in front of a witness. We advise on the witnessing requirements to make sure the document is valid.
Update your documents
We guide you through notifying the DVLA, the Passport Office, HMRC, your bank and any other relevant organisations.

Fees

What a deed poll costs

An unenrolled deed poll prepared by a solicitor typically costs £315 plus VAT.

We give you a clear quote before we start.

Book a free initial appointment

The team

Your family law team

The solicitors who handle change of name applications at Ansons Law. Every card opens the person's profile.

Meet the whole team

Director, Head of Family Law Joanne Vernon

Associate Director Sara Anderson

Solicitor Maisie Watts

Solicitor Aisha Quereshi

Questions

Change of name questions

Do I need a solicitor to change my name?

No, you can change your name without a solicitor. However, for most people updating official documents, a solicitor-prepared deed poll is more likely to be accepted than documents from online services. For a child's name change where one parent withholds consent, it is advisable to have a solicitor make the application to the family court.

How much does a deed poll cost?

An unenrolled deed poll prepared by a solicitor typically costs £315 plus VAT. We give you a clear quote before we start.

How do I change my child's name if both parents agree?

Where everyone with parental responsibility agrees, a deed poll can be prepared and signed by all of them. The process is relatively straightforward where there is agreement. The child's age and wishes may also be relevant.

What happens if the other parent refuses to agree to a child's name change?

If a parent with parental responsibility refuses to consent, you will need to apply to the family court for a Specific Issue Order under the Children Act 1989. The court will consider the child's welfare and what is in their best interests.

Can I revert to my previous name after divorce?

Yes. After a divorce you can revert to your maiden name or any name you previously used. Your Final Order, together with your marriage certificate, is often enough for many official bodies. For some institutions a deed poll gives a cleaner document. We can advise on the right approach.

What is an enrolled deed poll?

An enrolled deed poll is recorded at the Senior Courts, which gives a permanent record of your change of name. Where you need one, we handle the enrolment process.

Can I use a new name without a deed poll?

Yes. In England and Wales you can start using a new name without any documentation. However, most official bodies need a formal deed poll before they will update their records.

Accreditations and awards

Resolution member
The Legal 500 UK 2025 (opens in a new tab)
Nachural Summer Business Awards 2024: winner
East Midlands Rainmaker Awards 2025: shortlisted

Talk to our family law team

Ready to change your name? Tell us what you need and we will put you in touch with the right person. We can have your deed poll prepared quickly and advise you on everything you need to do next.

Call 01543 263 456

Offices