If you are under a Care Order you need the permission of everyone with parental responsibility, including the Trust, to change your name, even if you are over 16.
Archive
How do I change my name if I am under 16?
If you are under 16 and you want to change your name, you can do this by deed poll* normally only with the permission of those who have ‘parental responsibility’ for you.
If neither parent/person(s) with parental responsibility gives permission, you can apply for a court order. However, you will have to demonstrate to the court that you have tried to work out your differences with them.
*A deed poll is a legal document which enables you to officially change any part of your (or your child’s) name: you can add a new name, remove an existing name, change the spelling of your names or even adopt a completely new name altogether, the choice is entirely yours.
Using a deed poll enables you to get all documents and records, including your passport, driving license and bank account, updated to show your new name.
At what age can I change my name?
If you are 16 and over there is no legal requirement for any documentation when it comes to changing your name. You can change your name by simply starting to use a new name, as long as it isn’t for fraudulent reasons.
If you want a document with your new name on it in certain circumstances you can execute a deed poll, but you should speak to an advisor before trying to do this.
If you are under 16, you can change your name, but only with parental permission.
For more information and advice, speak to a legal advisor confidentially on 0808 8085678, email ree@childrenslawcentre.org or online at REE Live Chat.
How do I make a complaint if I think I have been discriminated against because I am trans?
The length of time you have to make a complaint will vary depending on your reason for making a complaint.
For example, if you want to make a complaint of discrimination on grounds of your sex relating to employment, you must lodge a complaint with an industrial tribunal within three months from the date the alleged discrimination took place.
However, for discrimination complaints that are not related to employment, (i.e. education, premises, the provision of goods, facilities or services, or where an employment relationship has come to an end) you have six months from the date the discrimination took place to make a complaint to the County Court.
It is important to note that not knowing there are deadlines is not a good enough reason for a tribunal to grant an extension on these time limits.
If you feel like you have been treated unfairly because you are trans and/or you want to make a complaint speak to a legal advisor confidentially on 08088085678, email ree@childrenslawcentre.org or online at REE Live Chat.
What are my human rights as a transgender young person?
You have the same human rights as everyone else, but there are some human rights principles that give special protection to transgender people. These are:
• The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW): This requires governments to prohibit discrimination against women in all forms including ensuring that the rights of transgender women are fully protected.
• The Yogyakarta Principles: These are a universal guide to human rights which affirm international legal standards on binding which all States must comply with.