Can You Change Your Surname Automatically in a Civil Partnership?

In most countries, entering a civil partnership does not automatically change a person’s surname. Unlike marriage, where it is common for one partner (traditionally the woman) to adopt the spouse’s surname, a civil partnership does not automatically result in a surname change for either partner. However, individuals in a civil partnership may choose to change their surname if they wish, but this typically requires a formal process. Here’s an overview of the steps and options available:

1. Name Change After Civil Partnership:

Voluntary Name Change: In most jurisdictions, if you wish to change your surname after entering a civil partnership, it is a voluntary decision and not automatically linked to the partnership itself. You are not legally required to change your surname when entering into a civil partnership.

Example: If Sarah and Emily enter a civil partnership in the UK, neither partner automatically adopts the other’s surname. However, if Sarah wants to change her surname to Emily’s surname, she can do so through a deed poll (a legal document that allows someone to change their name) or by updating her details with relevant institutions.

2. Legal Process for Changing Surname:

Deed Poll: In many countries, including the UK, if you want to change your surname after entering a civil partnership, you will need to apply through a deed poll. This is a legal process that involves officially declaring your intention to adopt a new surname.

Example: After their civil partnership, Sarah could go through the deed poll process to change her surname to Emily’s, or they could both choose to adopt a hyphenated surname (e.g., Sarah-Emily Smith). The process requires official documentation and can be updated with various authorities, such as the passport office, banks, and HMRC.

3. Adopting a Partner’s Surname:

Unlike marriage, where the adoption of a partner’s surname is commonly accepted, in a civil partnership, there is no automatic legal right for either partner to adopt the other’s surname unless they go through the proper name-change process.

Example: If John and David enter a civil partnership in Australia, they could choose to change their surnames to a shared surname, but this would require a formal name-change process. It is not an automatic result of their civil partnership.

4. Practical Considerations:

Updating Legal Documents: If one or both partners change their surname after entering into a civil partnership, they will need to update legal documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, bank accounts, tax records, and other official records. This process might take some time and effort.

Social Perception: While changing your surname after entering a civil partnership is a personal choice, it might not always be as socially common as it is in marriage. Some couples may decide to adopt a shared surname to reflect their union, while others may retain their original surnames.

5. Jurisdictional Differences:

The exact process for changing your surname may vary depending on the country or region. In some places, you may not need to go through a formal deed poll process, while in others, you may have to undergo legal procedures to officially change your surname.

Example: In New Zealand, couples in a civil partnership or marriage can adopt a new surname as long as they follow the correct legal steps, typically by submitting the name change form to the Department of Internal Affairs.

Example:

Emily and Sarah are in a civil partnership in the UK. After the ceremony, Sarah decides she would like to adopt Emily’s surname. Sarah goes through the deed poll process, officially changing her surname to Emily’s surname. After completing the legal paperwork, she updates her details with banks, her employer, and the passport office, ensuring that all official records reflect her new surname.