Name change law around the world
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Name change is a legal act which has been recognised in all legal systems. It allows an individual to change his/her name that they had at birth, adoption or marriage. The procedure for name change varies from country to country.
Learn more about the name change law of some countries;
Australia
An individual can apply for name change so long as their intentions are just. They should not be doing it for criminal purposes like committing fraud.
? For adults (individuals more than 18 years old): You can apply for name change only once a year or unless the court approves the change due to some exceptional circumstances.
? For a child (between 1-18 years old): You can apply for your child?s first name change only once between 1-18 years and for their surname you can apply only once a year.
? For a child less than one year old: You can apply for the child?s first name change before he/she turns one year old. For surname change you can apply only once a year.
? Name change at adoption: Birth certificate issued at adoption will show the birth name registered earlier along with the new name.
South Africa
South Africa, make use of civil Roman Dutch law and common law for name change. Name change is regulated by the Births and Deaths Registration Act in South Africa.
? For adults: For changing first names, the individual has to submit a form for a name change to the Department of Home affairs. For changing a surname, the individual has to fill out the form and provide a good reason for the change and apply to the Department.
? Minor children: for changing the surnames of minor children you have to have a good reason which may involve marriage, divorce, guardianship or death of a parent etc.
? Married woman: a married woman is allowed to change her surname to that of her husband without paying a fee.
India
In India, whether you want to change your name after marriage or divorce or want to change it for some other reason, the procedure for changing a name legally is very straight forward but a little time consuming. The procedure might take around 6 months to get completed.
United Kingdom
In UK it is relatively easy to change your name legally. A deed poll is a must for UK citizens to change their names. It can be for changing person?s first name or surname or both.
Types of UK Deed Poll
? Adult Deed Poll: It is for individuals above the age 16 to change their name legally.
? Adult (gender title) deed Poll: It is for an individual above the age of 16 who wishes to change their name and gender title legally.
? Child Deed poll: It is for the use of parents or guardians to change their child?s name legally at the age of 15 or less.
The price for adult deeds cost from anywhere between 5.99 GBP to 200+ GBP and the price for child deed range from 5.99GBP to 180+ GBP. You can apply to the UK Deed Poll Office online or offline, at your convenience.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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