We are given birth by chance but isn’t everything else we do is by choice? If what they say is true, then do we have absolute freedom to choose? Well, almost.
We choose identities, personalities, habits, behaviors, and our likes. What about our name? Is there a way to choose the name you are given? Ideally, no. But you can always change it.
Just like any aspect of your personality, your name, too, is an important part of who you are. And some people evolve or correct their birth names for different reasons.
So, is changing their name by deed poll just that easy?
Yes, but there are exceptions to this rule.
Wouldn’t you like to know?
#1 The Right Mental State Of The Individual
Let’s consider this – Noelle would like to change her name. But she may not qualify unless the following conditions apply to her.
Condition #1: If Noelle is not able to comprehend what the decision means for her. She is unable to weigh the information as part of making the decision.
Condition #2: If Noelle isn’t able to keep or fully grasp the intensity of the information.
Condition #3: If Noelle cannot explain the decision by talking or sign language.
Hence, an individual must be in his/her sound mind while opting for a name change. A temporary or permanently disturbed mind might be considered null and void.
If Noelle does not have the mental capacity to make this decision for herself, she must seek help to be able to do so.
#2 The Age Of The Individual
Understandably, children aren’t permitted to get a change in name without adult supervision. With parental accountability and supervision, a child can apply for a legal name change. Otherwise, any individual living in the UK must be about 16 to 17 years of age to apply for a name change. An exception to this – If an individual is facing a court order that prevents them from doing so, they can still change their name at the age of 18.
#3 Individuals With Criminal Records
You must let the authority know of their change in the name so the information is updated onto the system.
In Scotland, individuals who are serving a community payback order should let their social workers know about their change in name.
If you are living in England, Northern Ireland, or Wales and are on probation, then you must let your probation officer know about your change in name.
If your name is in the Violent And Sex Offender Register, then make sure that you inform the concerned police within 3 days. A failure to do so might result in prison time.
#4The Process For Immigrants
Consider this. Nadia is a married immigrant woman living in the UK. Nadia wants a change in name but she hasn’t applied for British citizenship yet.
What should she do?
Well, she can always use a deed poll. By submitting her deed poll to the UK Visa And Immigration Center, Nadia can change her name.
Any other documents that are accepted? Yes, Nadia’s marriage certificate.
#5 Individuals With A Debt Relief Order
Individuals who have a debt relief order or who are undischarged bankrupts must notify their official receivers and trustees. Once they do that, their insolvency register will be updated.
If your business went bankrupt, be sure to inform the people you were in business with about your name change.
Not doing so is punishable by law. Individuals can be sent to prison and be charged with a fine.
These restrictions apply until an individual has not been discharged from being bankrupt.
Conclusion
There can be any number of reasons for an individual to change their name. It could be astrology related or because of legal reasons, and for some, it can be a personal choice. Fortunately, there’s room for everyone to do so. By following a legal procedure and abiding by the laws concerning name changes, it’s now possible to go through the process swiftly.
