“A Surname given to a child at birth is not simply a name plucked out of the air.  It is a biological label that tells the world at large that the blood of the name flows in its veins” Lord Jauncey in Dawson .v. Wearmouth.

Are you considering changing your child’s surname?

The legal process of changing a child’s surname requires the involvement and consent of anyone with Parental Responsibility for the child.

Separated or divorced parents are advised to contact the other parent and request their consent to the changing of the child’s surname in writing. Mediation could be considered as an option for some parents.

When / If both parents consent to the change of surname, the process can be completed by deed pole. The application for the enrolment of the deed poll must then be supported by the consent in writing of every person with parental responsibility. Our solicitors can help with this for a fixed free. More...

It is a common myth that you are not able to file for a divorce if you do not know where your spouse is living at the time. It is a relatively widespread misconception that if people wait for five years then they are able to file for a divorce without their spouse being any the wiser, but this is not the case.

Officially, for your divorce to be completed, the court requires that your spouse is either served with the divorce, or you must prove that you have done everything in your power to find them without success. 

Your attempts to locate them can be evidenced by contacting their:

•    Friends
•    Relatives
•    Last known employer
•    Bank or building society
•    Trade union or professional organisation More...

There are a whole host of processes included in a residential conveyancing service and invariably, it will take time. However, by choosing to work with an experienced firm of solicitors who are dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer service, it is possible to move the process along swiftly.     

Receipt of draft contract – seen by many as the starting point of the conveyancing process, the contract should set out the terms of the sale process and include details of the property as well as items which are to be included in the sale.
   
Preliminary enquiry – whilst waiting for the draft contract, a solicitor will send a list of enquiries to the seller’s solicitor to reveal fundamental information about the property and the sale.

Property information form – although not included in every conveyancing case, you may be sent this form by your solicitor which includes a summary of the items included in the contract, such as boundaries, fixtures and fittings etc. More...