Employment Law

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, chequebook, 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.

We Specialise in assisting people who cannot afford the usual solicitors fees to represent them in court. Do you need representation without expensive fees? You need to call us today. See below for more information. Our Services to You 1. Advise and equip you on how to represent yourself in court; or 2. Take full conduct of your case for a fraction of the usual fee. If You wish to speak with someone then please call us on 01476 978 926 / 0754 0062 567 or send us an e-mail at info@selwynslaw.com. Finally, you may wish to send us an query by completing the enquiry form below and we will get back to you shortly.

What to Consider when Making an Application for Child Maintenance Private Agreement Between you and you Ex-Partner An Agreement can be reached between both parents about financial provision for a child/children. The government encourages this and we take the view that it is far better than making an application through the CMS if you can agree. This means that you both decide when and how you will support your child/children and the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) does not get involved. You should note that Agreements does not just have to cover the money that is to be paid, but they can also deal with the child’s day to day care and who is to fund the cost of school uniforms and so on. If separated parents cannot agree, or if a family-based arrangement subsequently breaks down, there are other options you can resort to. Arrangements through the CMS If you (parents) are unable to reach an agreement directly between you then you can approach the CMS for assistance. This calculates how much and when child maintenance should be paid. The authority can also collect child maintenance from one parent and pay it to the other. At the moment, the service is currently not free because the government has introduced charges for using the service and this came into force in spring 2014. Now an application to the CMS for child maintenance will incur a fee of £20 plus 4 percent of the maintenance paid to the receiving party (PWC). Similarly, the Non Resident Parent (NRP) has to pay an extra 20 percent on top of his liability. So for example, if you are liable to pay £100 in maintenance you pay £120 to the CMS and they keep £24 and pay just £96 to the Parent With Care (PWC). However, if it can be agreed between the parties, you can elect for Direct Pay. This means the CMS will calculate liability but you will arrange payment between you. Please note that the approach that the CMS will take in regard to the assessments and collection of child support is very different to the approach previously taken by the CSA. What Services CMS Offer: Direct Pay (known as “Maintenance Direct” under the CSA system) These are financial arrangements that the CMS help you to set up but which you manage between yourselves. The CMS calculates the amount payable but won’t otherwise get involved. Collect & Pay (known as the “Calculation & Collection” service under the CSA system) These are financial arrangements that the CMS will set up and then manage. The CMS calculates the amount payable and, where necessary, collects the maintenance from one parent and pays it to the other. If payments aren’t made on time, a range of enforcement actions can be taken for collection. The CMS will charge the PWC 4 per cent from every payment received from the NRP. The NRP will pay an additional 20 per cent on top of each payment made through the CMS. How is child maintenance worked out? Under the new system, the CMS now looks at the paying NRP’s gross income using details provided to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by the paying parent, their employer or accountant. The paying NRP’s income will be reviewed annually by the CMS in order to determine whether the amount of child maintenance is still accurate. Any changes will be applied automatically. For gross income up to and including £800 per week, child maintenance will be payable as following: 12% for one child 16% for two children 19% for three or more children For gross income of between £800 and £3,000 per week, child maintenance is payable at the following rates: 9% for one 12% for two 15% for three children or more As under the old system, deductions are applied if there are other children living in the payer’s household (for example, children of a new partner or step-children) and for any nights that the child stays with the payer. Note that parents on low incomes or who are in receipt of certain benefits pay a flat rate of child maintenance. This is currently £7 per week. Where the child spends equal time between both parents, the parents are not required to pay maintenance to each other. Age of child The upper age at which children can qualify for child maintenance is their 20th birthday. If you require advice on any child support matter, please contact David on 0754 0062 567 or email me confidentially at info@selwynslaw.com