In a message dated Fri, 18 Feb 2005 23:31:44 EST, _T2quirke@aol.com_ (mailto:T2quirke@aol.com) writes: When one legally/officially changes one's name is the action termed "by deed poll" or what? There is a cheaper way of changing your name officially and that is by Statutory Declaration. To do this you pay to have three or four (I forget which) advertisements in the London Gazette stating that henceforth you wish to be known as <insert name here>. If you keep an original copy of the appearance of the advertisement it is acceptable as evidence should you ever need to provide any of a proof of change of name. DaveD