Changing your name....

So can anyone help?

My nephew (now 31) was born and registered with our surname. Unfortunately his parents divorced and his mother went on to re-marry some years later. Permission was given to change my nephews name to that of his mothers new married name. Apparently his passport used to show his birth surname but with the 'known as' part indicating his new name. He lost is passport, applied for a new one and it came but in his new surname. Since he was about 14 he has been using his new surname based on the fact that his mother told him she had changed it legally. It has now come to light that this is complete nonsense and she never actually legally changed it all! The thing is, where does he stand now? He wants to go back to his birth name and should theoritically be able to just do it, over night, so to speak. But will there be any sort of backlash if he does? Anyone have any ideas?

 

If it was never legally changed it should be straight forward enough - however, if the passport office has changed it on his passport then he needs to get on the phone to them straight away and find out what happened. If no other documents or accounts are in his 'second' surname then the passport would be the only issue. If there are bank accounts etc then it's a different matter, but it doesn't sound like there is.

 

You just have to 'be' that name for a period of time i.e. you use it, and others know you as it.


How to change your name

If you wish to be known by a different name you can change your name at any time, provided you do not intend to deceive or defraud another person. There is no legal procedure to follow in order to change a name. You simply start using the new name. You can change your forename or surname, add names or rearrange your existing names.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/engla...your_name_e/change_of_name.htm#changeyourname

 

So if Mega really wants to be called Janice...he just can?

 

There's a difference between the name you call yourself and your legal name. If you want to change the name on your passport, bank accounts, driving license etc it has to be done through formal legal documentation i.e deed poll or marriage.

 

His bank accounts, driving license and everything are in his 'new' name. The passport thing happened a fews years back. I have been told that to cover his back he should go and change back to his birth name legally by that deed pole thing.

 

I think the only thing that isnt in his new name is his birth certificate. But strangely everything else is!

 

Okay, so you'll have to get a deed poll done as none of the organisations will change it back without some form of legal documentation - a birth certificate will never be changed, as Roadwart says it's the one document that is never altered.

 

Thanks I thought as much. Best he does it the proper way. Time to have a go his mum next time I see her!