Sometimes, a whole family unit decides to adopt a new surname. This might be to unify a step-family, revert to an ancestral name, simplify differing surnames within the household, or perhaps before or after emigration. While possible, legally changing everyone's name requires coordinating multiple Deed Polls.
Who Needs What? You can't use one single Deed Poll for the entire family. Each individual needs their own:
- Adults (18+): Each parent or guardian changing their name needs their own standard Adult Deed Poll.
- Children (Under 16): Each child under 16 needs a Child Deed Poll. Crucially, everyone with Parental Responsibility (PR) for that child must consent in writing to the name change for the Child Deed Poll to be valid (unless a court order overrides this).
- Teenagers (16 & 17): Can typically use an Adult Deed Poll but may still require consent from those with PR depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction practice. It's often simpler to wait until 18 or proceed with full consent.
The Process:
- Gain Consent (Crucial for Children): Ensure all individuals with PR for each child agree and provide written consent before preparing the Child Deed Polls.
- Prepare All Deed Polls: Use a service like Legalmaster™ to accurately prepare the Adult Deed Polls for the parents and the Child Deed Poll(s) for the children, ensuring the consent clauses are correctly included for the child documents.
- Execute Each Deed Poll: Each Deed Poll must be signed and witnessed individually according to legal requirements. Parents sign the Child Deed Polls on behalf of the child, confirming consent.
- Update Records Systematically: Use each individual's executed Deed Poll to update their respective records (passports, schools, NHS, banks, etc.).
Changing a whole family's name is a significant step requiring careful planning, especially regarding consent for children. Legalmaster™ can help streamline the process by preparing all the necessary, legally compliant Deed Poll documents. Need help coordinating a family name change? Contact us on 0333 340 8984.
