Why won't they allow me to change my name ???

poppyscorner

Hi,

Not sure if this is in the right place but I started a university course March 08 at which time I was married we split June 08 and after a very long divorce everything was finalised this March (2010).

My university course is in nursing and I have gone back to my maiden name now in every aspect of my life bank accounts etc all accept decree absolute as proof university is refusing to accept it they are insisting I produce a passport (which I do not have) and even if I did the only proof they require is the decree absolute I do not wish to spend £80 ish quid just to get them to change it things are tight enough as it is right now but I also do not want to qualify in my married name which will happen in March next year.

Their response is that my legal name is my married name I am certain though if something as legal and important as a passport can have my name as my maiden one that the uni should definately do the same.

Anyone got any ideas as to why and what I can do about it ?

Thanks xx

masterlumps

you can call yourself whatever you like, you shouldnt have to prove it, and certainly if you have proof they shouldnt be demanding a passport. they are being rediculous imo.

puddy

this really annoys me about passports and driving licences being considered the 'only' acceptable form of id etc, i didnt drive for many years, only driving for the past 3 years, so i didnt have a driving licence. people are not required to have a passport so no one should insist on you showing it.

who have you approached at uni? have you taken it to the top?

Gravesendgirl

None has to have a passport so therefore it makes no difference with regard to what your legal name is.

When you got married you could have kept your name quite legally. I think you can legally be called either your married or maiden name as your birth certificate entitles you to use your original name and your marriage certificate is what entitles you to use your maiden name. I have quite a few friends who use both their maiden and married names in different areas of their lives.

Owain_Moneysaver

You could try a formal complaint under the Data Protection Act, if the uni are refusing to correct personal information about you which is now outdated and incorrect. The uni should have a DPA compliance officer.

In the case of nursing the uni are probably especially careful about issuing certificates in other names because this is a professional qualification in a very highly regulated profession.

Bear in mind you are going to have to show proof of eligibilty to work in the UK to any prospective employer and they may want to see a passport in your current name, so you might find yourself having to get one or be unemployed.

JaneRN

I had to get a change of name deed when I divorced as I was told that was the only way I could go back to my maiden name. It cost about £30 - but that was 15 years ago so will no doubt cost more now. I've had to show certified copies of this numerous times as all my academic certificates are in my married name, so I would encourage you to get it sorted before qualifying.

PinkLipgloss

I had problems changing my name whilst doing post-grad at university as my marriage papers were original official translation papers from the General Registrar! These originals also had a copy of the Japanese scroll attached which I was issued in Japan.

The jobsworth demanded to see the "original" Japanese marriage certificate. To which I replied, "This is an ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENT. Besides which, are you seriously trying to tell me you will be able to read Japanese? Are you familiar with Japanese writing script?" She soon relented and changed my name (albeit with a scorn on her face).

inkie

As a student of nursing, you will have a (student) record with the NMC (although not registered yet). I remember this being the case from when I did my nursing and midwifery training. I suspect this is the reason why. I would advise that you get the passport sorted. Producing ID at interview is standard practice regardless of whether you have a job offer or not.

ka7e

masterlumps wrote: »

you can call yourself whatever you like, you shouldnt have to prove it, and certainly if you have proof they shouldnt be demanding a passport. they are being rediculous imo.

You can be "known" by any name you like, but you have to have a legal identity that can be confirmed by official documents. The OP wishes to register as a nurse, so will need a CRB check when she finds work (and it will probably require her to disclose both names she has been "known" as - maiden name and married surname).

A birth/marriage certificate or decree absolute is not proof of identity, anyone can get a certified copy. It is only one piece of paper that ties in with lots of other bits of official information (bank account details, proof of address, NI number, marriage certificate, electoral register) that you need to prove you are who you say you are!

A passport is the one thing that requires all this type of information plus a photograph and is, therefore, seen as the ultimate proof of identity. The Passport website says you can change your name by Deed Poll or by marriage - but a divorce does not seem to automatically entitle you to revert to your maiden name.

Gloomendoom

JaneRN wrote: »

I had to get a change of name deed when I divorced as I was told that was the only way I could go back to my maiden name. It cost about £30 - but that was 15 years ago so will no doubt cost more now. I've had to show certified copies of this numerous times as all my academic certificates are in my married name, so I would encourage you to get it sorted before qualifying.

It hasn't gone up by much.

See this link

BaileyB

Its free using freedeedpoll.co.uk, many people have used it with no issues. Just print it on good quality paper