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Original poster

Changing surname after divorce, where to start?

25 replies

DonkeyFacedCunt · 05/04/2023 07:43

has anyone done this?
I divorced 13 years ago now, but now my dc are grown up I want to change back to my maiden name.
I know I can do it without deedpoll if I have my marriage cert, birth certificate, and decree absolute.
but where do I start? Do I just go to the bank with these documents and get them to change it on my bank? But then won’t all my direct debits and employer have to be done at the same time?
and I only have one copy of each thing, how do I send them off? Or do I need to get copies that are certified by a solicitor?

many thanks

OP posts:
Juiceboxxy · 05/04/2023 07:49

I had this but decided to cough up 30 quid for deedpoll as made it so much easier.

LemonDrizzle10 · 05/04/2023 07:50

I got a certified copy which got sent back and forth to different places. It didn’t all need to get done at the same time. The bank was the easiest one.

Sweetladyjane · 05/04/2023 07:55

I coughed up for a deepoll. Changed my bank account and employer on the same day then gradually changed over all the bills. I also used the deepoll to update my drivers license and passport.

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1930toEdinburgh · 05/04/2023 08:05

You don't need to pay for a deed poll!!

Statutory declaration witnessed by two people.

Easy peasy. I used it for new passport bank etc.

No sweat

Chooksnroses · 05/04/2023 08:06

I just rang everyone and told them I was reverting to my maiden name. Most of them had it on their records from my first dealings with them, when they'd asked for previous names. Those that didn't asked for my birth certificate.

1930toEdinburgh · 05/04/2023 08:06

The deed poll thing makes me cross - no need to pay !

RuthTopp · 05/04/2023 08:08

I didn't pay for anything , just went back to maiden name .

ImAvingOops · 05/04/2023 08:09

As I understand it, your original name is your legal name and the using of a married name is a social nicety which is also legal. Don't get a deed poll to revert to what you are already legally entitled to do. I can understand a bank wanting a birth certificate or something to prove you are who you say you are but iirc it is your right to use either name without doing anything 'official'

1930toEdinburgh · 05/04/2023 08:11

ImAvingOops · 05/04/2023 08:09

As I understand it, your original name is your legal name and the using of a married name is a social nicety which is also legal. Don't get a deed poll to revert to what you are already legally entitled to do. I can understand a bank wanting a birth certificate or something to prove you are who you say you are but iirc it is your right to use either name without doing anything 'official'

I think this is right. It was the passport update that required the extra documentation hence the declaration.

Original poster
DonkeyFacedCunt · 05/04/2023 08:12

Thank you all.
I am quite happy to cough up for deer pill of it makes it easier, but I am not sure if it does.
do I need the certified thing with two witnesses?
I have tried Googling but none of it eels particularly straight forward. If anyone has the time/patience to talk me through what to do, step by step, I’d be really grateful.
I don’t know why I am having such a mental block about this!

OP posts:
Chooksnroses · 05/04/2023 08:32

I went to Citizens Advice and they said "You only take your husband's name as a courtesy. Your maiden name is always your name. You just need to start using it." The next morning I informed work and the bank, then gradually as bills came in, I informed everybody else. It wasn't a problem.

DragonflyLady · 05/04/2023 08:39

I just rang or wrote to all who needed to know. The only place that was a bit arsey about it was my mortgage provider and my solicitor wrote to them as part of the sorting everything out malarkey. No need for a deed poll.

ScoopT · 05/04/2023 08:42

I did a free deed poll printed off the Internet which was enough for everyone except the passport office who needed a decree absolute.It was one of the first things I did

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 05/04/2023 08:45

Same as you did when you changed to your married name, just go into each place/call them and say you are using maiden name, just work your way through everything you have.

MinnieEgg · 05/04/2023 08:57

My dh changed his first name by just telling everyone he'd changed it. He didn't encounter any problems at all, it's more a pain in the arse time wise than anything else.

Original poster
DonkeyFacedCunt · 05/04/2023 09:16

Ok. Got all certificates out to go to bank later. Then realised I have booked flights for summer under current surname. That should be okay as long as I don’t change passport, yes?!

OP posts:
MinnieEgg · 05/04/2023 09:27

Yes, they aren't going to know you changed anything else.

sashh · 05/04/2023 09:44

Juiceboxxy · 05/04/2023 07:49

I had this but decided to cough up 30 quid for deedpoll as made it so much easier.

You don't need to pay anything for a deed poll.

OP I would start with your passport. Once that is done just go in to the bank and show them.

Ah just seen your update.

You will be fine, it's quite legal to use two different names as long as it is not for fraud, Cherie Booth and Cherie Blair are the same person.

Nailsandthesea · 05/04/2023 10:06

1930toEdinburgh · 05/04/2023 08:05

You don't need to pay for a deed poll!!

Statutory declaration witnessed by two people.

Easy peasy. I used it for new passport bank etc.

No sweat

This. My GP surgery and work were happy to accept the Decree absolute.

Original poster
DonkeyFacedCunt · 05/04/2023 11:51

Thank you all x

OP posts:
cushioncovers · 05/04/2023 13:11

I'm guessing there's an admin charge for changing a passport and drivers license?

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 05/04/2023 14:08

Driving licence is free to change, passport is full cost of a new passport

cushioncovers · 06/04/2023 13:03

Ok thanks for the info

WakeMeUpInspring · 06/04/2023 13:17

I did a deed poll as I thought it would be easier with bank etc.

A few years later I renewed my passport with my birth certificate and divorce decree.

WakeMeUpInspring · 06/04/2023 13:18

Oh and I had my married name on passport for a few years as I didn't want to pay for a new passport until I needed a renewal.

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