Separated - rules around changing name back?

CDC2011

My husband and I separated almost a year ago. We won't be filing actual divorce papers until this time next year as we want to use the 2 year separation reason.

When we married I took his name. I like it as its memorable but not difficult to say or spell so part of my wouldn't mind keeping it. My maiden name is a tad boring in comparison and doesn't sound as nice with my first name.

However I will hopefully be starting a new job soon, moving out of my parents house and I intend to do a bank account overhaul and move banks for some better rates. So I am debating about changing my name back officially back to my maiden one as it seems good timing.

My passport is still in my maiden name as I never got round to changing it, plus I have my birth certificate but all other 'current address' documents and my drivers licence have my married name.

So...Will I need divorce papers to set up new bank accounts in my old name and to change my name back with my mobile phone provider, the few other customer accounts I have, DVLA etc?

Other than the paperwork confusion, my only other reservation is that my sister in law has the same first name as me and has now 'taken' my maiden name so I kind of feel a bit weird about going back. So if anyone has any thoughts on that separate dilemma I'd appreciate those too.

marisco_2

When I was going through divorce proceedings I contacted a solicitor to change my name back to my maiden name. It was easy to do, a quick appointment that didn't cost too much, financially at least, emotionally it felt very strange.

I then had a document confirming that I would be known by my maiden name from now on. I used this and my birth certificate to change bank account details, apply for a new passport etc.

TeamLowe

When I was changing my name on household bills they were happy enough to just go off my word, so you could change it on a utility bill then take that and your passport to the bank and open a new account seems easiest way x

Gloomendoom

CDC2011 wrote: »

My husband and I separated almost a year ago. We won't be filing actual divorce papers until this time next year as we want to use the 2 year separation reason.

When we married I took his name. I like it as its memorable but not difficult to say or spell so part of my wouldn't mind keeping it. My maiden name is a tad boring in comparison and doesn't sound as nice with my first name.

My ex-wife had the same dilemma when we divorced. She kept my name in the end.

Person_one

CDC2011 wrote: »

Other than the paperwork confusion, my only other reservation is that my sister in law has the same first name as me and has now 'taken' my maiden name so I kind of feel a bit weird about going back. So if anyone has any thoughts on that separate dilemma I'd appreciate those too.

Don't worry about this, there are lots of families where several people share names, it doesn't cause problems generally. In my family we have a few men from different generations with the same first and last name and I know two women who are civil partners who have exactly the same name.

marisco_2

I think you can change your name to any new name you want to. I considered this, as at first the thought of going back to my maiden name after being married for 10 years, really upset me. It was like an added reminder that my marriage had failed.

In the end though I decided to opt for my maiden name. It had suited me well for 23 years before I got married and I had achieved some major things whilst known as it previously. Made reverting back to it a positive move and gave me hope that my future would be good.

Do whatever makes you happiest.

DS4215

CDC2011 wrote: »

Other than the paperwork confusion, my only other reservation is that my sister in law has the same first name as me and has now 'taken' my maiden name so I kind of feel a bit weird about going back. So if anyone has any thoughts on that separate dilemma I'd appreciate those too.

My wife and mother both have the same name. It can be confusing at family gatherings...

Peanut2013

I changed mine via deed poll while waiting for my divorce to come through.

I did it online, took 2 minutes and cost me £12.50. I'll try to find the company I used..

(DVLA, banks etc were happy to take the certificate as proof when it came through )

I used these: http://www.thelegaldeedpollservice.org.uk/

CDC2011

Thank you for all your comments, it's much appreciated.

I do like my current name but there feels something fresh-start-like about going back. Not made my decision yet but if I go for it I might just ask to change it back in the first instance, and I then have a few legal options if that doesn't work.

duchy

I changed mine back by common usage ...I just wrote to everyone bank , work etc and said I was reverting to my maiden name and that was it.

No issue with even a new passport.

The only person who got sniffy about it was the registry office when I went to book my second wedding and they demanded to know why I hadn't changed it by deed poll. I said - because changing it by common usage is completely legal -and costs nothing. They agreed it was and nothing more was said.

Mojisola

duchy wrote: »

I changed mine back by common usage ...I just wrote to everyone bank , work etc and said I was reverting to my maiden name and that was it.

This is all you need to do.

CDC2011 - you didn't change your name by deed poll when you took on your ex's name, did you? Most people just tell everyone that, after their marriage, they are going to be known by the name XXX. Just tell the same people that from now on, you will be known by the name YYY.