Changing Name After Divorce UK Checklist: How to Revert to Maiden Name
How do I change my surname back to my maiden name after divorce? Our changing name after divorce UK guide explains (Inc FREE reverting to maiden name checklist)
How do I change my surname back to my maiden name after divorce? Our changing name after divorce UK guide explains (Inc FREE reverting to maiden name checklist)
They say the three most stressful things to endure in life are bereavement, moving house and divorce. For many, breaking up after a marriage or civil partnership signifies the need to disassociate from the past with a solid changing name after divorce or separation plan. There are a number of choices and scenarios to consider before changing your name after a breakup and this guide will give the low down on the most common options.
Are you recently separated and ready to put the past in the past? It’s important to know that you can change your name at any stage of the divorce process, however if you have yet to receive your final order, you will need to change your name by deed poll.
Now, whether you are ready to say goodbye to the past quickly or want to take your time and weigh your options, it’s a good idea to ensure this BIG decision is not fuelled out of haste or anger. This could lead to regret and a lot more work to reverse the decision down the road.
There is also no time limit to changing your name following a breakup. You might be the one who’s ready to rip that plaster off as soon as the divorce is finalised (or before!), or perhaps the one who opts to keep their married name and assess things in the future - either option is perfectly ok. Who you are known as is a massive part of your identity is something you will face every day, so it needs to be right for you.
It’s also important to consider timing and sequencing of changing your name before proceedings are finalised, particularly if you hold shared assets such as joint bank accounts, property or a mortgage. You should seek legal guidance to understand any potential impact and weigh this up - changing your name on divorce proceedings with the courts is not always advised.
Some people opt to initially revert to their birth name informally for example on their social media profiles or for restaurant or hair appointments and other bookings.
If the answer is yes, you have come to the right place! NameSwitch specialises in making this daunting process painless. For more information on how to legally change your name after divorce in the UK, check out our award winning name change service. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Here we outline the most common options for both men and women. You may wish change your name back to your birth name, take the double barrelling option, or even create a new surname – regardless, it’s nice to know that you have options! There is no right or wrong route to take. The right path will be determined by what feels right to each individual.
The Double Barrel
This is a popular “half-way” option for both men and women. For women, it can offer some continuity for life in general, but also for one’s children or established professional reputation.
Equally, men may want to create a double-barrelled surname to echo the linkage for their children. Or perhaps they wish to remove part of a double-barrelled surname that they entered into upon marriage. Whatever the reason, this is something that can be achieved with a deed poll.
For both men and women, a deed poll is required to initiate a double-barrelled surname post separation or divorce and this is something that NameSwitch can help with.
Still have some questions regarding double-barrelling? Check out our How to Double Barrel Surname After Marriage UK guide for more information.
Going Back
This is commonly referred to as ‘reverting to your maiden name’ and it can be done without a deed poll.
A decree absolute or final order (for divorces issued after April 2022) entitles a woman to go back to her maiden name (birth surname) and is accepted as documentary evidence by all government bodies (including The Passport Office and DVLA) and companies across the UK.
A man may also be looking to change his name back to a birth surname if he assumed his partner’s last name after marriage. Providing the original birth surname is written on the decree absolute/final order, it can be presented as documentary evidence. If the birth surname is not shown on the decree absolute/final order we recommend supplementing it with either the original marriage certificate/birth certificate, or opting for a deed poll as the single documentary evidence. Either routes will avoid any potential questioning from companies and subsequent delays in processing name change requests.
Please note: The Passport Office will need to see an original copy of your birth certificate or original marriage certificate that shows your birth name if you are using a divorce certificate to change your name on your British passport. Proof of birth name is not required if you opt to change your name via deed poll. For more information or further guidance visit our Change Name on Passport After Divorce guide.
Starting Anew
For some, one of the most symbolic ways to start anew is to create a completely new last name. A deed poll is required in order for this to take effect legally and should accompany any name change requests to government bodies, local authorities and companies in the UK.
At this point you might be wondering, “how do I change my surname back to my maiden name after divorce in the UK?” – this is a question we get asked a lot and are here to help!
Legally, you can simply start using your preferred name whenever it feels right. Whether this is immediately, whilst you are going through the separation process or years after divorce. It’s completely up to you! And remember, there is no obligation to change your name (or title). You are legally entitled to keep your married name after you divorce and you do not need to seek any consent to do so.
However, to update your official records, you will need your original decree absolute/final order or a deed poll to show your legal right to change your name. Some companies also request sight of your birth surname in the form of either a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
All name change requests following a divorce or separation must be accompanied by a legally recognised document: either a decree absolute/final order or a deed poll.
Not every company requires sight of an original document, but many do. For example, The Passport Office, DVLA and most financially regulated (FCA) companies insist on seeing the original. Having multiple copies of an original document will enable multiple name change requests to be sent off simultaneously.
Many people receive a final order via email once the divorce is finalised. Note a print out of an emailed copy will not be accepted as an original document, even though it has come from the court. Some companies may accept this if they can see the origin of the original email but this is not always guaranteed.
Original copies of your decree absolute/final order (which will be accepted by the Passport Office) can be ordered from HM Courts & Tribunal Services. The cost of each original copy ranges from £11- £65 depending on the level of detail known. Alternatively, you may wish to opt for our Deed Poll Premium Print Package and undertake your NameSwitch all under one roof.
As we mentioned, you can start using your chosen name immediately, but to make it official you need to inform entities such as the DVLA, Passport Office, and Financial Institutions.
DVLA:
Your Driving Licence is considered an official means of identification, so you’ll want to update this document sooner rather than later. A great resource for more information on how make this happen is our Change Name on Driving Licence guide.
Passport Office:
Your passport is also considered to be a formal piece of identification, so it is essential that this reflects your desired name. If this process seems overwhelming, don’t worry! We have created a step-by-step guide to help you through the passport name change process.
NHS Records:
The good news is that your NHS number is with you for life but you will need to update your records with your new name. This process is relatively simple and we have all of the information you need in our guide to changing your name with the NHS after marriage or divorce.
Financial Institutions, and Other Companies and Local Authorities:
Processes can vary from company to company and place to place. Some businesses require original documents whilst others may have a simple online form. It takes a lot of time and effort to visit each respective website to determine what needs to be done to update your surname. This is where NameSwitch’s secure name change toolkit can come in handy! We have taken the legwork out of the equation saving you on average 14 hours of tedious stop, start research, letter writing and form filling. Whether you’re looking at changing name after marriage, divorce, or deed poll, we have simplified the process, making it speedy and painless!
On average, a name-changer notifies approximately 24 different government bodies, local authorities, and companies. That’s a lot and no easy feat! We want to help you get organised – download our free name change after divorce UK checklist to get started today! Still have lingering questions? Get in Touch with one of our amazing team members and we will be able to answer any questions you may have.
A change of name post divorce or separation is a very personal choice that can be made in your own time at your own pace. Some final things to consider:
And remember, NameSwitch is here to help you. We offer expert advice and array of affordable packages to help you blitz through your change of name without enlisting the aid of a solicitor. If you are using your decree absolute, you can opt for either the ePackage or the Print Package. If you need a deed poll based on the scenarios described in this guide, you can opt for our Deed Poll Premium Print Package.
You sure can! Going back to your maiden name can be done without obtaining a deed poll. A decree absolute or final order entitles you to revert to your birth surname and is accepted as official documentation by all government bodies and companies across the UK.
The majority of government bodies, local authorities and companies will not charge you to process your name change. The only exceptions being HM Passport Office who charges you the full fee to renew your passport (you cannot roll remaining years over) and some insurance companies will charge an admin fee.
If you are changing your name via deed poll you have the option to register your deed poll at the Royal Courts of Justice which costs £49.32. This is not a legal requirement. It is estimated that only 1% of deed polls are enrolled at the Royal Courts of Justice.
If you want to keep things super-simple and speedy, NameSwitch offers 2 different deed poll packages to meet your needs. Our deed polls are accepted by all government bodies and companies in the UK and do not need to be enrolled at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The decision to change your name is one that’s best not made in haste. While some want to rid themselves of the past immediately, others need time for consideration. Whichever category you find yourself in, you can rest assured there is no time limit for changing your name after divorce.
Yes! Should you wish to change your name while married or at any stage of the divorce process. However, if you are in the process of separating and have not yet received your decree absolute/final order, you will need to obtain a deed poll in order to change your name.
Absolutely! There is no requirement to change your name post separation. Some people choose to keep their married name for continuity with their children or for professional reasons, while others choose to go back to their maiden names. The decision is very personal and 100% up to you.
The average name changer notifies approximately 24 different government bodies, local authorities, and companies. Figuring out who needs what can be daunting and takes 14 hours on average! Most name changers find this process tedious and overly complicated.
NameSwitch has created a UK first and only award-winning namechange toolkit to help simplify this process. Change your name with speed and ease saving you so much time and with peace of mind that you’ll get it right first time.
In just 3 easy steps you can select who you need to notify from 700 government bodies, local authorities, and companies. You only need to enter your details once. You’ll have instant access to download your pre-populated name change letters, forms and personalised instructions ready for you to print and sign.
Need our expert advice? Why not check out our FAQs or Get in touch with our UK-based support team for a human response - we are here to help.
Dive into our practical Nameswitch guides.
Learn how to change your name on your drivers licence, on your Facebook account and how to handle updating your COVID pass along with your passport
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