Separated - Changing my name.

kirstle99

Hi all

I have separated from my husband. How easy is it going to be to go back to my maiden name, or do I have to wait until i'm divorced to do it?

Tigsteroonie

You can change your name at any time, divorced or otherwise. Others will be along shortly to explain the best way of doing so, personally I wanted the security of a professional formal Deed Poll so paid £40 for the privilege.

You will need to ensure you have sufficient copies of any legal document (eg Deed Poll) so that you can submit one to the court with your divorce petition/response, and another copy with the application/response to Financial Proceedings. They'll be needed to match up your new name with that recorded on the marriage certificate.

Oh and your STBX might play silly wotsits and decide that they want to see a copy too, denying knowing you if you start using a different name without giving them proof The divorce court won't forward him a copy with the petition.

kirstle99

Thanks for that, i'm not planning on getting the divorce moving for a while so I wondered if I could just change my name before that.

Tigsteroonie

Yes, there's no reason why you can't.

peachyprice

You didn't give up your name when you married, it's still your to use as you wish and you don't need a decree or deed poll to use your own given name.

A letter stating you wish to use your given name and copy of your birth certificate should suffice.

WestonDave

As above - legally you can always revert to your maiden name without any need for a deed of name change etc.

maman

AFAIK you can call yourself what you like provided it's not done with a view of defrauding anyone.

Obviously, your birth certificate will have your maiden name on it and would provide sufficient 'evidence' if anyone wanted it.

I choose not to use my married name but took my marriage certificate into my bank. They've put a note on my file so if anyone assumes I use my married name and writes me a cheque in that name they know I'm one and the same person IYSWIM. Yours is sort of the same situation in reverse.

I'd start with your bank and your employer and change it with them and then send a standard letter to all the utilities and others as the bills come in.

kirstle99

Thanks everyone, that makes me feel a bit better. It won't be something I rush to do, but it's good to know I can without much hassle when I want to. Thank you

Dunroamin

You can use either your maiden or married name without doing anything formal. I took a copy of my marriage certificate into the bank and they made a note so that I can pay cheques in with that name, even though I bank in my own name.

Changing your name on marriage is just a custom, it's completely up to you whether you do it or whether you change back.