Changing name after divorce

nunnygirl

I think I'm in a bit of a difficult situation but hopefully one of you guys will be able to help me!

Divorced last year and I'm still bearing my married name which I'd like to get rid of and return to my 'maiden' name. This is where it gets a touch confusing. My mom divorced the sperm donor and remarried when I was younger and I took my stepdad's name at 12 and changed it 'legally' by deed poll when I was 18.

Will I have to change my name by deed poll again? If so, what's my best option for change? I can't have it done at the same place as last time as it's in a different part of the country


TIA

tea_lover

You can call youself what you like, so long as you're not changing your name with the intention to defraud. You do not need to do anything more official than send a letter to banks etc. saying what you will be known as from x date.

marleyboy

As you already own the name, simply changing it for a fee is merely adding a new name (in effect meaning you have both names). You do not lose your original name as a result of changing it and are free to choose whichever names you already have.

InsideInsurance

There is no legal need to do anything to change your name, you can call yourself almost whatever you want as long as it isnt for fraudulant reasons.

Typically there are some that are easier to change your name with and others that are harder. Surprisingly passport is one of the easiest and once you have the passport almost everything else follows.

If you had your bank account in your maiden name then its as simple as taking your decree absolute along and saying you want to revert it back. If you didnt then take the deedpoll along too.

peachyprice

You didn't lose your maiden name when you married, you just need to tell everyone that you are reverting to it. Some may want to see just the absolute, some won't, usually depending on whether you had dealings with them before you married.

nunnygirl

I have managed to change my name with most of the people I've dealt with but work seems so be the worst. I've talked to HR, given them a copy of my marriage certificate and decree absolute but I've been told that they're not willing to change my name until I provide a solicitors letter or deed poll.....not sure what I can do about that now!

Floss

nunnygirl wrote: »

I have managed to change my name with most of the people I've dealt with but work seems so be the worst. I've talked to HR, given them a copy of my marriage certificate and decree absolute but I've been told that they're not willing to change my name until I provide a solicitors letter or deed poll.....not sure what I can do about that now!

I would just make an appointment to see your solicitor - for the sake of the cost, it will sort everything out and you will have a solicitor's letter to state that from xx date you are now known as "Freda Blogs". You might need that for your pension or life insurance too.

bryanb

nunnygirl wrote: »

I have managed to change my name with most of the people I've dealt with but work seems so be the worst. I've talked to HR, given them a copy of my marriage certificate and decree absolute but I've been told that they're not willing to change my name until I provide a solicitors letter or deed poll.....not sure what I can do about that now!

Actually it's not their choice. They must use your choice of name. They don't have to be "willing"
Not sure how to convince them other than putting it in writing.

InsideInsurance

You can do an affidavit or statutory declaration, see https://www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information/name-changes-that-dont-match-official-documents which is technically for passports but I am sure work will accept it.

I believe the guidance notes include the text required and a solcitor or commissioner of oaths will charge just under £10 to witness it.

Guest101

bryanb wrote: »

Actually it's not their choice. They must use your choice of name. They don't have to be "willing"
Not sure how to convince them other than putting it in writing.

Threatening to change it something less than flattering to the company might work.

Or simply use ur chosen name on emails and when answering phone. They'll soon get the hint

Mojisola

nunnygirl wrote: »

Divorced last year and I'm still bearing my married name which I'd like to get rid of and return to my 'maiden' name. This is where it gets a touch confusing. My mom divorced the sperm donor and remarried when I was younger and I took my stepdad's name at 12 and changed it 'legally' by deed poll when I was 18.

So that's the name on your marriage certificate?

As others have said, you don't need to pay for a deed poll. You have a paper trail through your birth cert, the deed poll, your marriage cert and the divorce paperwork if you ever need to prove you are who you are.

You don't lose your own name if you start using your spouse's name. You can go back to using it.