can you change your name by deedpoll before divorce is finalised?

Grandmama

Went back to my maiden surname the moment he walked out. Had no problems, no need for deed poll. Divorce even went through as my maiden name versus his surname. Happy days!

trailingspouse

I'm changing from my married name to a name that isn't my maiden name - my husband walked away from the marriage in February, we're obviously not divorced yet. I've chosen to do it via Deed Poll - it's a bit complex, but for me I think it's the best method. Be aware, if you're still married, you will need your spouse's permission (in writing, in an actual letter, on actual paper) to change your name by Deed Poll.

Having said that, you are perfectly at liberty to just say to people 'I want to be known as X from now on' - I've already done that with some people, even before the Deed Poll has gone through. It's when you need more 'official' stuff (passport, driving licence etc) that you need the paperwork.

melanzana

Is it a requirement to become a name chattel of a husband on marriage? I doubt it, but it certainly is/was tradition.

I never changed my surname, didn't see the need to, nor did OH.

The day a man changes his name by default to his wife's on marriage will be a cold day in hell I reckon!

Interesting thread though..

Mojisola

trailingspouse wrote: »

I'm changing from my married name to a name that isn't my maiden name - my husband walked away from the marriage in February, we're obviously not divorced yet. I've chosen to do it via Deed Poll - it's a bit complex, but for me I think it's the best method. Be aware, if you're still married, you will need your spouse's permission (in writing, in an actual letter, on actual paper) to change your name by Deed Poll.

You only need this if you want to enroll the deed poll - this costs money and takes longer and doesn't make the name change any more official or legal.

Brumwood

Thanks all for the replies so far. The surname I want to change to is different from my Maiden name. So going by responses it is best to wait until I get the absolute (so I don't have to ask him for written permission ), then Enrol the Deed poll? I don't have a passport (planning to get one later in the year) or a driving licence, so its mainly my bank accounts I need to change. Do I need to Enrol to do that?

[Deleted User]

melanzana wrote: »

Is it a requirement to become a name chattel of a husband on marriage? I doubt it, but it certainly is/was tradition.

I never changed my surname, didn't see the need to, nor did OH.

The day a man changes his name by default to his wife's on marriage will be a cold day in hell I reckon!

Interesting thread though..

We know someone who did that.

He had a troubled upbringing and hated his father. They wanted to share the same surname on marriage, but he didn't want her to have his surname and so her took hers.

bouicca21

Brumwood wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies so far. The surname I want to change to is different from my Maiden name. So going by responses it is best to wait until I get the absolute (so I don't have to ask him for written permission ), then Enrol the Deed poll? I don't have a passport (planning to get one later in the year) or a driving licence, so its mainly my bank accounts I need to change. Do I need to Enrol to do that?

Under those circumstances and given all the faff about identity theft and money laundering, then a deed poll will be the simplest method. I have a friend who did the same, she waited till the children were 18 and then they sat down to choose a name and all did it at once.

You do not actually need to enrol it. Enrolling is useful because it means there is a permanent central record - useful if at some time in the future you lose your copy of the deed and need proof of change of name. Some people prefer to get several certified copies of the deed instead, just in case.

Tigsteroonie

Brumwood wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies so far. The surname I want to change to is different from my Maiden name. So going by responses it is best to wait until I get the absolute (so I don't have to ask him for written permission ), then Enrol the Deed poll? I don't have a passport (planning to get one later in the year) or a driving licence, so its mainly my bank accounts I need to change. Do I need to Enrol to do that?

If you think the Absolute will go through with no delay, then I'd wait until you have that. If you change now, the Courts will be another place you have to send a copy of your Deed Poll so that they can bring the paperwork up to date!

I changed mine (not back to maiden) before applying for the Nisi. I managed for six years without enrolling my deed poll; and it's now become irrelevant since I remarried.

Brumwood

I went to the bank earlier and they said they needed a stamped deedpoll, is this a enrolled one? Thanks so far!