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Change of Name - Did it have to be done legally?

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Always stressed!

Always stressed! Report 27 Apr 2007 09:34

Does anyone know if, in the 1960s/70s, a surname could be changed and used legally for Social Services, Pension Books etc. without producing a marriage certificate. Thanks Pam.

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it Report 27 Apr 2007 09:40

I think it was the same as now. you sign a deed poll changing your name and its registered. Shirley

Researching:
Surname Fahse. Germany. Essex .South East London My avatar is one of our wedding photos of 1957

An Olde Crone

An Olde Crone Report 27 Apr 2007 09:55

No, there were no formalities back then - you just told the NI office that you wanted to be called Smith instead of Bloggs. You didnt have to explain why. OC

Whirley

Whirley Report 27 Apr 2007 17:29

Anyone then (same now) can call themselves anything they like ie be a 'known as' John Smith for example. But for anything 'legal' you have to have changed your name officially, normally by Deed Poll/Stat declaration, the difference being, Deed Poll you can do yourself and Stat Declaration I believe you still have to use a solicitor. Deed Polls have been around for donkeys years. I used to be in the pension business and we had letters all the time from actors/actresses confirming their real name but just stating in a letter they are known as 'whoever'. Freddy Mercury for example was someone we dealt with...I could go on but many are still alive and I couldn't breach the Date Protection Act! I used to talk to Michael Elphick (Boon) all the time...he was nice! Shirley-ann in hot East Sussex! Good weekend everyone!!

Always stressed!

Always stressed! Report 28 Apr 2007 08:56

Thanks for all replies. Loved Boon too!!! Would there be any records then as she took my grandfather's name but they never married. Presume she had a pension as died when she was 74. Thanks again Pam.