Deed Poll - Legal Name Change
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Changing The Name Of A Child By Deed Poll
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 - Only a person with parental responsibility can change the name of a child under the age of 16. In almost all circumstances, consent must be give by all those with parental responsibility. We recommend that you read our section about Parental Responsibility.
ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 16 - In this instance you must apply for one of our ADULT DEED POLL's . No parental consent is required.
APPLY FOR A CHILDS DEED POLL>>
Consent - What Is it? Who Needs To see it?
To Change a Childs name, Consent is required from all people with parental responsibility (click for more on parental responsibility) Even if the other parent is absent through divorce they will still be required to give consent. However if the absent parent can not be traced and you can prove that all efforts have been made to contact them, consent can be given by a sole parent. (please read further)
Consent can be given in the form of a letter that will accompany the deed poll. Examples of consent letters can be downloaded below.
| Letter 1 - Sole Parent Responsibility | This letter can be used if you have sole parental responsibility for the child and nobody else is required to give consent | Download.>> |
| Letter 2 - Joint Parent Responsibility | This Letter can be used if you have joint parental responsibility along with another person and you both give consent. | Download >> |
| letter 3 - Absent Parent | This letter can be used if you have join responsibility for a child but the father is absent. | Download >> |
Obtaining the correct consent is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. We do not check to see if you have given false consent. However if it later becomes clear that false consent has been given, the deed poll may become void and contested in a court by the absent parent or person with parental responsibility.
Who Needs To See The Letter Of Consent?
Your letter of consent must be included with the deed poll when sent to relevant agencies. For example, Schools and the passport service will not just accept the deed poll as proof of name change. They will also need to see evidence that consent has been given.
Changing a child's name without the consent of a father who has parental responsibility
It is still possible to change the name of a child without the consent of a father with parental responsibility. You must make every effort to contact the father. If all efforts fail you can explain the steps you have taken.
CLICK HERE TO SEE A SAMPLE LETTER.>>
Parents who give sole consent without contacting the father does so at their own risk. Doing such a thing could end up in the father taking court action.
If you have any further question or concerns please contact us
2007 Deed Poll Legal
