1. Introduction

2. When may I want to change my name?

3. When am I allowed to change my name?

4. What if I am widowed?

5. What if I enter into a civil partnership?

If you enter into a civil partnership you have four options:

• you and your partner can continue using your own names;
• one of you can change your name to the other's;
• you can form a double-barrelled name; or
• you can choose a new surname that you both use.

If you or your partner want to change your name, you should tell the registrar at the office where your civil partnership will be registered well before the day of the ceremony. Normally, the registrar can simply put the correct names on your civil partnership certificate, which will then be evidence of the name change.

However, in some cases the registrar may say that you should first obtain a deed poll (see 'Deed poll' in 'How do I prove I have a new name?'). If so, make sure you apply for the deed poll at least three weeks before the ceremony.

6. What if I want to change my child´s name?

7. What sort of name can I choose?

8. How do I prove I have a new name?

9. Who should I tell about my name change?

10. Further help

11. About this leaflet

The leaflets in this series give you an outline of your legal rights. They are not a complete guide to the law and are not intended to be a guide to how the law will apply to you or to any specific situation. The leaflets are regularly updated but the law may have changed since this was printed, so information in it may be incorrect or out of date.

If you have a problem, you will need to get more information or personal advice to work out the best way to solve it. See 'Further help' for sources of information and advice.

This leaflet is published by the Gurkha Free Legal Advice (LSC). It was written in association with Citizens Advice.

Leaflet version: December 2008

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