Click Here - to see our Deed Poll instruction video presented by Christine Hamilton.
Changing a child's name by Deed Poll
If you get confused, please click here and we will call you to explain who will need to consent to changing the child's name.
Application for Children (aged 15-)
There are no limitations on the name that you can choose for your child, however, you are only authorized to change the child's name if you have obtained consent from those persons that have parental responsibility for the child.
We will not ask you to provide us with evidence of consent but it is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained it.
If you have already obtained parental consent, you can continue to the application form link below. Otherwise, please read the following links in the order provided:
In the United Kingdom the child's mother automatically acquires parental responsibility upon the birth of the child.
The circumstances in which the father also has parental responsibility are explained below. If the mother and father both have parental responsibility - they BOTH must consent to the name change.
- If the child's mother or father is deceased - the living partner will have sole parental responsibility. If both parents are deceased, please contact us.
- If the father has been absent and you do not know his whereabouts - you may be able to change the name without obtaining the other parents consent. However, as in all cases, if the father subsequently disputes this the court may order the name change to be reversed.
- You should also note that some organizations may refuse to acknowledge the name change if one person, who retains parental responsibility, is unable to provide their consent. In our experience it is unusual for this to happen, however, you should bear in mind that it is possible. If an organization does refuse to acknowledge the change of name without the appropriate consent - you will need to obtain a court order which you can arrange by contacting a local solicitor.
Special Circumstances - Absent Parents
If any of the following apply, you can consent to changing the child's name without the fathers permission:
- The mother has left the family home to escape violence or abuse from the father and is at risk or fearful of being found.
- The father has been sent to prison for a serious offence such as rape, murder or other sexual offences and the mother and children do not wish to be associated with the father or his family name.
- Where the court has ordered the father to not contact the family/children.
- Suggest hyphenating the child's name in order that the child will continue to have the same name but with the additional name added on at the end, for example, Tjay Mountford would become Tjay Mountford-Jones.
- If either parent still refuses to allow the child's name to be changed, your only option is to seek a court order. To obtain advice about court orders you can visit HM Court Service by clicking here. Please e-mail us for free advice about which forms to complete: support@thelegaldeedpollservice.org.uk
Please select the area in which the Child was born in order to ascertain who will need to give consent to changing the child's name:
Both the mother and father will have parental responsibility if they were married at the time of the child's birth, or at any time thereafter.
Whether or not the mother or father were married, both parents will still have parental responsibility if the father is named on the birth certificate on or after the 1st December 2003.
If there is a court order declaring someone to have parental responsibility, then that person must also consent to the name being changed.
Both the mother and father will have parental responsibility if they were married at the time of the child's birth, or at any time thereafter.
Whether or not the mother or father were married, both parents will still have parental responsibility if the father is named on the birth certificate on or after the 1st December 2003.
If there is a court order declaring someone to have parental responsibility, then that person must also consent to the name being changed.
Both the mother and father will have parental responsibility if they were married at the time the child was conceived, or at any time thereafter.
Whether or not the mother or father were married, both parents will still have parental responsibility if the father is named on the birth certificate on or after the 4th May 2006.
If there is a court order declaring someone to have parental responsibility, then that person must also consent to the name change.
For children born in Northern Ireland
Both the mother and father will have parental responsibility if they were married at the time of the child's birth, or at any time thereafter.
Whether or not the mother or father were married, both parents will still have parental parental responsibility if the father is named on the birth certificate on or after the 15th April 2002.
If there is a court order declaring someone to have parental responsibility, then that person must also consent to the name change.
Application for a Deed of Change of Name
Children's Deed Poll £16.50 (£10.00)
NB: You are entitled to a £6.50 fee reduction if the child is under 15. Please use the children's fee reduction application below.
Click here for a detailed explanation of what you will receive with your order
Application:
Your Deed Poll will be delivered to your inbox within 4hrs of submitting your application. The printed Deed Poll will be dispatched via Royal Mail within 24hrs.
The application process is secure and the information you provide is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. All Credit/Debit cards are accepted.
This page was last updated: 19 March 2010
APPLY HERE
If you are claiming the fee reduction, make sure that you choose the correct application form.
Child's Application (£10.00) Child's Application (£16.50)
(Click the appropriate link)
