Change of Name

Surnames

If you are 18 or over and follow the correct procedure it is not difficult to
change your surname in Guernsey, although it must not be done for the
purposes of fraud or deception. No formality is legally required, but it is
recommended that a name change is by deed poll (see below), in order to
provide evidence of the change for such purposes as obtaining a passport,
opening a bank account etc.
When a woman marries it is not automatic that she takes her husband’s
surname, and many women do not. However, if a woman does change her
name on marriage it is generally the case that a marriage certificate will be
sufficient to prove her name. If she subsequently divorces it is not
automatic that her name reverts to her maiden name and she will need to
take the same steps as any other adult who wishes to change surname.

Forenames

Changing your first name is often done informally although there are no
legal means to do so. However, it may be that for certain official purposes,
such as applying for a passport, it will be necessary to make a sworn
declaration as to the name change in order to show why your new name is
different from that by which you were known previously.

Children’s surnames

The change of a child’s surname is considered to be an important change
in a child’s life and requires the consent of all who have parental
responsibility. In the event of a dispute, an application to the Family Court
for a specific issue order will be necessary and the Court will decide what
is in the best interests of the child.

Preparing the Deed Poll application

The change of a surname must be done by a deed poll which must be
prepared and presented to the Contracts Court on your behalf by an
advocate. A fee will be charged but you will then have a document which
will provide you with evidence for all purposes of your change of name. A
Register of Deed Polls is available for inspection in the strong room at the
Greffe.
You will normally need to provide your advocate with the following –

• Proof of your present name (e.g. passport)
• A recent utility bill
• Date and place of birth
• Marital status and details of dates of marriage etc.
• Place of residence for the last three months
• Address
• Full name by which you wish to be known

If you are applying on behalf of a child, you will also need to provide details
of all persons having parental responsibility and their relationship to the
child.

Court procedure

Where the application is for an adult, the application in the form of a draft
Deed Poll will be presented to the Contracts Court, normally held at 9.30
am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will sign the document before a Jurat
who will witness your signature. Certified copies of this document can be
obtained for use in proving your new identity.
Where the application is made on behalf of a child, where all parties
consent, the application will be made in a closed session at the end of the
Contracts Court. All persons having parental responsibility will need to be
present, in person or by an attorney, to consent to the application. The
child may, but need not, be present. Where there is any dispute, an
application will need to be made to the Court (see above).

Please refer to the States of Guernsey resource on the right-hand-side for more information.

General disclaimer

The purpose of this note is to provide general guidance.  While it is believed to be accurate and up to date, it is not authoritative and has no legal effect. No warranty is given that the text is free of errors and omissions, and no liability is accepted for any loss arising from its use. Users of this guidance note are encouraged to exercise their own skill and care in relation to the information contained in this guidance note and to obtain relevant professional advice.