What’s in a name?
What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" (Romeo & Juliet). Did Shakespeare have it right? Are names important?
The vast majority of us are happy with their name and would never change it, unless for example on marriage. But people do change their names and for many different reasons. Prior to last years Rugby World Cup the man mountain Epi Taione changed his name to "Paddy Power", as a thank you to the Bookmakers for their sponsorship of the Tongan Rugby Team.
It is almost re rigueur for Celebrities to change their names to make themselves more marketable/bankable. Justification for this can be found with John Wayne (formerly Marion Morrison), Bernard Schwartz (Tony Curtis) and Shirley Crabtree AKA Big Daddy. Ironically, Maurice Micklewhite is famous for the expression "My name's Michael Caine".
People will sometimes change their name because they find it embarrassing or socially unacceptable and who can blame them. I know it may seem disloyal to those who gave you your name, but with a slight tweak a name that may cause mirth to some can become innocuous.
Over the years I have letters addressed to Mr Waffle, Mr A Wurzel and Mr Davis Wassell. I have trifled with the idea of signing a deed poll to call myself Davis Wassell III and passing myself off as a high powered American Attorney!
Apart from the rich and famous, and those who find their name an unfortunate form of address, why do people change their name/ their child's name. Here is a far from exhaustive list:-
- Upon separation a woman may wish to be known by her maiden name again. Intriguingly, a woman's surname does not automatically change to her husband's upon marriage. After her marriage it is the individual's choice.
- Upon marriage the parties choose to have a double-barrelled name. I wonder if anyone called Purdey has ever done this?
- Upon marriage the Wife who already has children from a former relationship chooses to change her children's name to that of her new husband. One needs to be very careful in changing a child's name and legal advice should be sought.
- A person who has an assumed name, which everyone uses, decide to "make it legal"
Changing you name is quite straightforward. Contact your Solicitor. They will ask for your clear instructions as to which name(s) you wish to change. They will prepare a Deed for you to sign. From the date of signature your name is changed. Please note that except in very limited circumstances it is not possible to change your birth certificate, as this is a statement of the facts at that time. Once you have changed your name, it is important to notify various bodies and institutions including the Passport Office, the DVLA, your Bank, your employer and so on. Your Solicitor will provide you a number of certified copies. Most agencies will accept these in lieu of the original.
Clients often ask me. I have changed my name or address. Should I change my Will and/or my deeds? The answer is there is no need to go to this expense. The change will not invalidate the document. However, if the change of name is following your marriage, then yes you do need to change your Will, as marriage revokes a Will. I am also asked if a Will needs changing if a beneficiary has changed their name or address. Again the answer is no, although it is a good idea to keep a list of up to date addresses and name changes with your Will, to assist your Executors.
What's in a name - actually rather a lot! I will end with a delightful quote from Marlene Dietrich "It took more than one man to change my name to Shanghai Lily"
For more information contact David Wassell at Calrkes Newport office on 01952 281060.
