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Archiver > GEN-MEDIEVAL > 2004-01 > 1073308434


From: Renia <>
Subject: Re: BRITAIN'S REAL MONARCH - change of names
Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2004 15:13:54 +0200
References: <8d.abbead.2d2ab6ff@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <8d.abbead.2d2ab6ff@aol.com>


wrote:

> Dear Leo,
> I am also with Tim on this.
> Anyone in the Uk can change his/her surname. There are two ways - you write
> in the personal column of a National paper that from this day forth you are to
> be known as such and such, and provided no-one contests this action then your
> new name is as such after the 3rd month, if i remember correctly.
> The second option is that you change your name by Deed Poll with a notary
> Public - it costs more , but not that much. You can then apply to the Passport
> office for a new passport with the change of name.
>
> Or you can be Andrew Smiley also known as Andrew Smelly (this is for your
> public façade!)
>
> Surnames and titles are no problem in England as long as you do not use them
> for illegal purposes or as long as you are not using someeone else's title.
> Christian or forenames are a different kettle of fish, however - these are
> very difficult to change.
>
> I once knew a 'Lady Aberdare" who turned out to be a massive fraudster,
> creaming hundreds of thousands of pounds from peop;le for a fictitious Charity -
> she was eventually caught and locked up ....this only happened a decade ago!
>
> Another little known fact is that, in law, a woman retains her maiden name
> throughout her life, but in Public she is known by her married surname, i.e
> Edith Dishwater marries Paul Public - she is then known as Mrs Paul Public or Mrs
> Public -

In England, you can be known by any name you like. You do not have to
put a notice in the paper, although it is advisable so there is evidence
of your two identities, but the name change is not official.

For the sake of officialdom (passport, income tax, national health
insurance), these can only show your new name if you have changed your
name by deed poll.

When a woman marries, it is only custom which says she takes on her
husband's surname. It is just as legal for the married couple to be
known by the wife's maiden name. But that is not retrospective. Once a
woman has taken on her husband's surname, that is her name and she can
only officially change it by deed poll.

A title is not a name. It is an honour conferred by an official for a
particular reason. Thus, not anyone can adopt a title.

But a name, like Princess Renia or Duke Peter is perfectly legal.

Renia

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