Name change after divorce

Dannii75

This is such an odd question....

My parents got divorced around 35yrs ago-is (I'm in my mid-40s (cough cough)) but my mother, bless her, didn't want me to have to go through a name change while I was in school (I was bullied enough already) she also never spoke about my biological father so we (mother & I) kept her name.... which we still have. She is now changing her name back to her maiden name. 
My question: I'd also like to change to my mother's maiden name, do I have to change my name via deed poll because it was sooooo long ago? 

Thank you

Savvy_Sue

No, but you may find a deed poll is the simplest way to do it. 

You can use any name you like, as long as it's not for fraudulent purposes. The deed poll may be the simplest way of notifying and confirming the name change with banks, employers, official bodies.

Dannii75

Savvy_Sue said:

No, but you may find a deed poll is the simplest way to do it. 

You can use any name you like, as long as it's not for fraudulent purposes. The deed poll may be the simplest way of notifying and confirming the name change with banks, employers, official bodies.

Savvy_Sue said:

No, but you may find a deed poll is the simplest way to do it. 

You can use any name you like, as long as it's not for fraudulent purposes. The deed poll may be the simplest way of notifying and confirming the name change with banks, employers, official bodies.

Thanks Savvy Sue. I thought that may be the case! 

Mojisola

A relative has used the wording on the gov site and had no problem changing their name on passport, driving licence, banks, utility companies, etc.

www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll

Ms_Chocaholic

Sorry I'm confused by your initial post.  What is your name on your passport, bank accounts, driving licence etc, is this the name that you want to be known by now, if so there's no need to do anything.

maman

Ms_Chocaholic said:

Sorry I'm confused by your initial post.  What is your name on your passport, bank accounts, driving licence etc, is this the name that you want to be known by now, if so there's no need to do anything.

My understanding is a step father's name. Mother is now divorced and mother and daughter want to use mother's maiden name.🤔

Although it's true that you can call yourself what ever you like, without intention to commit fraud. then deed poll seems the most generally recognised document for official purposes. 

GrumpyDil

maman said:

Ms_Chocaholic said:

Sorry I'm confused by your initial post.  What is your name on your passport, bank accounts, driving licence etc, is this the name that you want to be known by now, if so there's no need to do anything.

My understanding is a step father's name. Mother is now divorced and mother and daughter want to use mother's maiden name.🤔

Although it's true that you can call yourself what ever you like, without intention to commit fraud. then deed poll seems the most generally recognised document for official purposes. 

Nope. OP has her father's surname but no longer wants to use it. 

bouicca21

If OP can crack the passport office without a deed poll then the rest is easy.

A basic deed poll is cheap but you have to be careful to keep it safe.  A more expensive but safer route is to have the deed poll enrolled which means you can always get a certified copy.

Dannii75

GrumpyDil said:

maman said:

Ms_Chocaholic said:

Sorry I'm confused by your initial post.  What is your name on your passport, bank accounts, driving licence etc, is this the name that you want to be known by now, if so there's no need to do anything.

My understanding is a step father's name. Mother is now divorced and mother and daughter want to use mother's maiden name.🤔

Although it's true that you can call yourself what ever you like, without intention to commit fraud. then deed poll seems the most generally recognised document for official purposes. 

Nope. OP has her father's surname but no longer wants to use it. 

that's right, thank you. 

Dannii75

OK, thank you @bouicca21 I'll go for the safer option, I didn't even know that existed so I'll do that. 

smudge56

bouicca21 said:

If OP can crack the passport office without a deed poll then the rest is easy.

A basic deed poll is cheap but you have to be careful to keep it safe.  A more expensive but safer route is to have the deed poll enrolled which means you can always get a certified copy.

You need a change of name deed or a statutory declaring plus evidence that the new name is in use to change the name on a passport if it not by marriage.  You don’t have to pay for the change of name deed - www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll and a statutory declaration is free in Scotland