Law / Legal Change of Name After Marriage (I'm UK, she is Polish) [12]

Merged: How to change wife's name to female version in the UK

Hi everyone,

This is my first post and hopefully someone can help. I have researched this for some time but have not found any clear information.

I recently got married and my wife would like to change her name to use mine (Witkowski). Although we were both born in the UK and married in the UK we would like to change her name to use the female version of the surname (Witkowska).

When you marry in the UK the marriage certificate can act as proof of a change of name. The problem is that this only means her name has changed to Witkowski.

Has anyone experienced this and is there a way of registering her with the feminine version without using a change of name deed poll?
Also - if we have a daughter will we have to change their names by deed poll too?

Thank you for your help in advance, it is appreciated.

Al

Law / Legal Change of Name After Marriage (I'm UK, she is Polish) [12]

Thanks for your advice and I'm all for intimidating bank staff where necessary!

It is looking like it will be a bit of a headache and is slightly annoying.
I realise it isn't necessary in the UK but it is important to her that she doesn;t use the male version (just a personal choice).

Law / Legal Change of Name After Marriage (I'm UK, she is Polish) [12]

That's an interesting point Mister H. Is that the consensus among other forum members?

Not that I am keen to speak on her behalf but I would say she does want my name but given that it is a Polish Male name she would like to use the female version.

I know we are not in Poland but wherever I am in the world I have a polish name so why would you not stick with the tradition?

I know it is a subjective matter but it would be interesting to hear other people's thoughts on this.