Nick

I'd like to change the surname of my (9 year old) step-daughter to my surname. She currently has the surname of her natural father. My wife is her sole legal parent.

Checking Google, there seems to be loads of agencies claiming to be able to do this, most of them also claim to be the "official" deed agency. Can anyone tell me how to change her name properly? The name change must be good enough to get a passport with the new surname.

type-r-stan

My missus used deedpollsonline.co.uk.

They were very good, sent paperwork through very quickly and sent deed once she'd had it witnessed. Worth paying for an extra certified copy (about £15.00.) She had no probs with passport or bank changes etc whatsoever.
They supply all templates of letters etc.

Total cost was around fifty quid.

Stiff

Not sure about a childs but I changed mine about 5yrs ago. Luckily my girlfriend at the time worked at a solicitors and a friend of hers did it for me. Couldn`t have been easier, just went in and signed some papers (she acted as witness) and that was that. Cost me a box of chocs. Think it would`ve been £50ish.

Nick

Thanks for the link, it looks like a good informative site.

ScoobywagonGl

Nick be careful yes she is your step daughter but you need permission from the natural father! I want to change my little boys name to my surname as he took his dads name and we have split up but i was advised by my solicitor not to do this as it would be so much hassle and if the father takes you to court the court can force you to change it back immediately at your cost! just look into it before you go rushing in!
Tams

Nick

Good advice mate, however we have covered this. The natural father is from Ukraine, my wife has taken legal action & removed his parental rights in court.

ScoobywagonGl

well if parental rights have been removed completely then it shouldnt be a problem! good luck let me know how you get on!


Tams

Apparition

type-r-stan is right.
I changed my name by deed poll through this compnay and it went very smoothly. I got married last October and there were no hitches with the paperwork. Get lots of certified copies, they are deffo needed.

gavnnik

No need to do it by deed poll. Anyone can change their name at anytime by common usage (i.e. just use a new name). When you want a passport you have to get a letter from a public notary (i.e. solicitor) witnessing that you are using the new name.

Didn't cost me anything and if you email me I'll send you the text of what the letter needs to say.

weapon69

Argh , this reminds me to get round to changing mine!!