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Change of Name Deeds

Changing your name made straightforward

A Change of Name Deed allows an individual to legally change their name for all purposes, including passports, driving licences, bank accounts and other official records. Whether you are changing your name following marriage, divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, changing a child’s surname, or simply choosing a new name for personal reasons, it is important that the documentation is prepared correctly and meets the requirements of the organisations that will need to rely on it.

For many people, changing a name marks an important new chapter in their lives. You may want to leave behind a previous surname following divorce, adopt a different family name, or change your name for personal reasons. Where a child is involved, the position can be more complicated, particularly if another parent has parental responsibility or does not agree to the proposed change.

The process should therefore be straightforward, with clear advice on the steps involved and any additional requirements that may apply.

At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we prepare professionally drafted Change of Name Deeds for both adults and children, ensuring they are correctly completed and suitable for use with government departments, financial institutions and other organisations. We will explain the process clearly, answer any questions you may have and help you understand what needs to happen next.

We can also advise on the practical steps that follow signing the deed, including notifying relevant organisations and updating official records. This helps avoid delays or rejection of documents, ensuring your change of name is properly recognised wherever it needs to be used.

 

Have a question? Jump to our FAQs ↓

 

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0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)

0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)

0115 922 1591 (Beeston)

01773 821665 (Belper)

01773 744744 (Ripley)

infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk

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‘I don’t believe the service that I received from Joanne and Joanna could have been any better – they were amazing.’

Joanne Wilbraham

Solicitor and Head of Family

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Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?

Direct access to the lawyer handling your case, not a call centre.

Resolution-accredited lawyers committed to resolving disputes constructively wherever possible.

Robust court representation where required.

Decades of experience handling complex family disputes across all stages of separation – both in and out of court.

Speak to our team today to explore your options with no obligation

Meet the team

Joanne Wilbraham

Joanne is a qualified Solicitor and Head of the Family Department. She has over 14 years experience in Family Law and qualified as a Solicitor in 2013. After graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a 2:1 in Law and from Nottingham Law School with a Distinction, Joanne went on to complete a training contract at…

01773 744 744

Joanne.Wilbraham@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Joanne Wilbraham is based at our Ripley Office.

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Charlotte Davis

Charlotte specialises in Family Law and is a member of Resolution. She studied Law at The University of Sheffield graduating in 2010 with a 2.1. Charlotte also received the Sheffield Graduate Award for exceptional extracurricular achievements. After 3 years working in Public Relations and Communications in the charity sector in South London, Charlotte went on…

01773 744744

charlotte.davis@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Charlotte Davis is based at our Ripley Office.

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Karen Wilson

Karen Wilson is part of our team of Family lawyers and is based at our Long Eaton office.

0115 972 5222

k.wilson@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Karen Wilson is based at our Long Eaton Office.

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Susan Dutton

Sue qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 1995. She joined Ellis-Fermor and Negus in 2024 and splits her time between the Beeston and Ripley offices. Sue specialises in family law to include – Divorce Financial settlements on divorce Children law applications Cohabitation agreements Separation agreements Pre-nuptial agreements In her spare time she enjoys spending…

01773744744

Susan.Dutton@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Susan Dutton is based at our Beeston Office, Ripley Office.

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Headshot of a solicitor from Ellis-Fermor & Negus, an East Midlands firm offering legal advice in various areas including family law, conveyancing, and employment law.

Holly Setchfield

Holly is a Solicitor and specialises in Family Law she is also a member of Resolution. She works from our Ripley and Beeston offices. Holly attended Nottingham Law School for her Undergraduate Law Degree, Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law. She commenced her training contract at a National Law firm and qualified into Family…

01773 744744

holly.setchfield@ellis-fermor.co.uk

Holly Setchfield is based at our Beeston Office, Ripley Office.

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Solicitors discussing legal matters during a consultation at Ellis-Fermor & Negus in Beeston

Reviews, what our clients are saying…

‘You cant improve it was perfect, charlotte and Joanna are fantastic, the minute correspondence arrive they would contact me same day, this took some of the anxiety away of the waiting while in negotiating, Charlotte and Joanna have been amazing, professional but friendly and approachable, speedy service. what they don’t know isn’t worth knowing, second to none. Thank you again. No issues whatsoever, brilliant service – you should be proud of Charlotte and Joanna!’

‘Karen dealt with my case for just under 2 years. Her professionalism, understanding, knowledge and expertise shown that it was world class from the very beginning. Everything was communicated to me very clearly and even just being able to put me at ease and calm me down when I have bombarded her with a long email on a Monday morning. Thank you Karen. Not just me but you have made the whole family over the moon and we are now living a great life thanks to you. We will be forever grateful!’

‘Holly has been absolutely fantastic handling my matter. Holly listened to me, supported me and advised the best course of action, made me feel comfortable in a situation I’ve never been in before and I felt like nothing was too much for Holly. Thanks again so so much – I would highly recommend Holly to any of my friends and family if they require these services.’

‘I don’t believe the service that I received from Joanne and Joanna could have been any better – they were amazing.’

‘I have had fantastic previous experiences with EF&N, so it’s no surprise that this time was great too! Especially with Holly, who handled my name change. She was lovely and incredibly efficient. The entire process was completed in just three days, and the communication was excellent throughout. I highly recommend their services!’

Frequently Asked Questions

A Change of Name Deed is a legal document that:

  • Confirms your intention to abandon your old name
  • Confirms you wish to use your new name for all legal and official purposes
  • Can be used to update identification, financial, and legal records

This deed provides a formal and recognised way to change your name in the UK and ensures that all your official documentation aligns with your new identity.

We assist clients who:

  • Want to change their name after marriage, divorce, or civil partnership dissolution
  • Wish to adopt a new name
  • Want to change their child’s name
  • Need the deed to be legally valid for all official purposes
  • Require guidance on registering the change with banks, government departments, and other official bodies

Using a solicitor ensures that the deed is correctly drafted and recognised by official authorities.

  1. Preparation
  • We draft your Change of Name Deed to ensure it complies with legal requirements
  • The deed sets out your old name, your new name, and the intention to adopt the new name for all purposes
  1. Execution
  • The deed is signed and witnessed, making it legally binding
  • Witnesses must meet specific legal requirements to ensure validity
  1. Notification and Use
  • The deed can then be presented to update official documents such as:
    • Passports
    • Driving licences
    • Bank accounts
    • Other legal and financial records

Our process ensures the deed is valid, clear, and accepted by all relevant authorities.

Changing a child’s name requires additional care. We assist families in situations such as:

  • Children of separated or unmarried parents
  • Updating a surname after divorce or separation
  • Combining surnames (double-barrelled names)

Consent is required from everyone with Parental Responsibility. If consent cannot be obtained, we can advise and assist with the necessary Court applications to change the child’s name legally.

When planning a name change, it’s important to consider:

  • Timing – ensure sufficient time to update all official records
  • Documentation – passports, driving licences, bank accounts, medical records, and utility providers
  • Legal validity – ensuring the deed is drafted, executed, and witnessed correctly

Having a solicitor guide the process avoids delays, errors, or challenges from institutions.

Yes. When correctly drafted, executed, and witnessed, it is legally recognised in the UK and can be used for all official purposes.

Yes, but consent from everyone with Parental Responsibility is required. If consent cannot be obtained, a Court Order is necessary. We can guide you through this process.

While individuals can complete a Change of Name Deed themselves, using a solicitor ensures it is legally valid and enforceable.

Yes. Once executed, the deed can be presented to banks, HM Passport Office, DVLA, and other official bodies.

We typically prepare and execute a Change of Name Deed within a few days, making it a fast and efficient process.

If full consent cannot be obtained, you will need to apply to the Court for approval. We can prepare and submit the necessary applications.

Contact us

If you want to legally change your name, we can draft and execute your Change of Name Deed efficiently and correctly:

• Phone:

0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)

0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)

0115 922 1591 (Beeston)

01773 821665 (Belper)

01773 744744 (Ripley)

• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk

• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us

Prepare your Change of Name Deed with expert guidance today

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