As with any marriage, civil partners are not required by law to change their surnames; both individuals are free to retain their current names. However, many couples decide to use the same last name following a civil partnership, whether one takes the other person’s name or they both double-barrel and use both names. Here we look at your options.
Changing Your Name and Taking Your Partner’s Name
A Deed Poll is not required when one partner adopts the other’s surname thanks to the Civil Partnership Certificate. The certificate will be accepted as adequate documentary proof by the majority of UK ministries and organisations. As a result, your partner can have their records updated appropriately. Some banks and utility businesses, however, will only update their records after receiving a Deed Poll and will not accept the Civil Partnership Certificate. Because of this, some couples decide to use a Deed Poll, which gives them more flexibility in choosing which name to use.
Choosing to Double-Barreled Both Surnames
As a couple, you might think it would be better to use both of your surnames rather than just one of them. Some companies require a Deed Poll, but the Civil Partnership Certificate is accepted by others as evidence of the new double-barrelled surname. Because of this, some couples use a Deed Poll to alter one of their surnames to the new double-barrelled surname before the ceremony. Since the double-barrelled surname will appear on the Civil Partnership Certificate, both parties will be able to alter all of their records to reflect the new surname without requiring two Deeds Poll.
A Deed Poll would be necessary if a couple decided to combine their surnames or choose a completely different one. If a couple doesn’t like either surname or feels that they want to merge both surnames to form a new name, they may choose to do this.
Keeping Both of Your Original Names
There is no reason why both partners cannot keep their existing names, and many people choose to do precisely that. Ultimately, it is down to personal choice and personal circumstances. We all have different family dynamics, work roles, and personal beliefs, and things like these can play a significant part in the choosing of your name.
Contact DeedPoll.com on 020 8017 2216.
