Private Client
Changing your Name
  
If you would like to change your name you can do so simply by way of usage without needing to go through any formalities. However, in practice it is often necessary to provide evidence of a change of name. Most people therefore change their name by way of “Change of Name Deed”.

A Change of Name Deed can be used to change any part or all of your name. For example, you can change your forenames, surname or both names, remove names, change the spelling of your names or rearrange your existing forenames. Double-barrelled surnames are particularly popular nowadays. You can change your name by Deed as often as you like, at any time and for any reason.

In the UK anyone who wants to can change their name but there are certain restrictions. You cannot change your name:

  1. In order to commit an illegal act such as fraud or deception. 
  2. To something that is rude or offensive.
  3. To imply or include a title such as Lord, Lady, Duke or Duchess.
  4. To something that includes symbols or numbers.
We can prepare your change of name deed for you.

Once you have changed your name by Deed your new name will be accepted by all United Kingdom government departments and agencies, companies and organisations to enable you to get all your documents and records reissued or changed to your new name including your UK passport, driving licence and bank accounts.

When we prepare your Change of Name Deed we will send the document to you to be signed and dated by you. It must be signed in the presence of an independent witness (such as a friend, neighbour or work colleague or a professional person though not a relative). The procedure is very straightforward for adults. The procedure could be more complex if you are wanting to change a child’s name. This will depend upon who has parental responsibility for your child. In certain circumstances you may need either the consent of others with parental responsibility or a court order. We would need to discuss this with you.

Once signed your Change of Name Deed becomes your documentary proof of your legal change of name, which you will need to show to all government departments, companies and organisations that hold your personal records, instructing them to change your name. 

You can also apply for a new British passport, UK driving licence, cheque book, credit cards and so on to be reissued in your new name. You must begin to use your new name and ensure everyone else addresses you by that name.

If you require further advice or you have decided that you wish to change your name then please complete the inquires form below or simply call us on 0781 750 2130 / 0754 006 2567 or send us an e-mail at info@selwynslaw.com. We will get back to you shortly.

Lasting Power of Attorney

This allows you to appoint somebody to look after you, your personal welfare, healthcare and to manage your assets/financial affairs. 

If you do not have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), then if for any reason you suddenly become unable to manage your own affairs, e.g. 
  1. You suffer an accident and are confined to bed or hospital; 
  2. You suffer a more serious accident which permanently incapacitates you; or 
  3.  You become mentally incapacitated as a result of old age or for some other reason… 
… then the only way that your financial affairs can be managed is by an application (through a relative or other person close to you) to the Court of Protection. This can take up to 10 months and cost up to £1,000 to process – during which time your finances could be seriously damaged – and the person authorised to handle your affairs on your behalf is not only unlikely to be who you would have chosen, but may even be a Court Official – who can (and will) charge every time he/she acts for you. If you have an LPA, your chosen representatives can act for you straight away if you become unable to handle your own affairs or if you become mentally incapacitated. 

For instance, if your mother has been diagnosed as having, or if you think that she may develop, a mental illness, for example, dementia or severe schizophrenia, or a degenerative brain disease leading to mental incapacity, e.g. Alzheimer's disease, and wants you to manage her financial affairs either now or in the future, you should use a Power of Attorney.

Making A Will

Anyone over the age of 18 and deemed mentally capable can make a Will. If you die without a Will, you are deemed to die Intestate and your Estate will be distributed according to the rigid rules set out by law. In most instances this will not be in accordance with a deceased’s wishes and will fail to be tax efficient.

Figures from the voluntary organisation Will Aid reveal that around 50% of people die without a valid will. Making a will is not expensive, although the consequences of not making one are. Even if you've sorted out the tax aspects of your legacy, it is important that you make a will so that you can ensure your assets are distributed as you want when you die. You also give yourself peace of mind knowing that you have put your affairs in order. By making a will you will spare your family and friends needless heartache and problems. Many of us dither about making a will. But if you don't want the taxman to take your money after you're gone, don't dither about! 

However, we would recommend that you seek independent advice if one or more of the following apply: 

* If you are not a British citizen and your permanent home is not in the UK. 
* If you own a business, a farm, or shares in a private family-owned company. 
* If you are a member of a Lloyd's underwriting syndicate. 
* If you have the power of appointment under a trust. 
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