Can I go back to my maiden name?

[Kaz32]

I got my decree absolute in the post today. Can I just revert back to my maiden name or do I have to go to deed poll?

I think you can just call yourself what you like, but most places (banks, utilities) will need proof. I understand you can do it via deed poll online very cheaply (or free?).

I've just started the process.
Did some that didn't matter ages ago, did GP the other day.

Can't wait! I've used my maiden name professionally all along so it's not a huge change. DS1 wants to keep his name, DS2 said he'd like to be called James ie missed the point and just picked a new first name!!

You can just start using it. For official things like passport, bank, DVLA, they want photocopy of decree absolute and marriage cert (to show maiden name). Congratulations!

I did just start reusing mine but came a bit unstuck when supporting my DS1s student loan/grant. Although I could provide copies of my Decree absolute and my birth certificate I had to reapply for a copy of the marriage certificate. DS1 now in his second year is getting much more than in his first year as it took a while to sort out. Passport wasn't a problem. Lack of joined up thinking in government agencies. Enjoy being called your name again.

I've just applied for a copy of my marriage cert. What sort of racket is going on between the Courts and the Government, eh?

Hand over your marriage cert to get divorced, but need an approved copy post-divorce for name change purposes. An easy tenner I'd say. Pffff.

I got my marriage cert back from the courts.

Oh! I didn't know you could do that. How did you go about it?

They just posted it back. Don't remember having to make a special request.

Well I didn't know you could do that either Ladybird. I had to apply online for a copy of my marriage certificate. I'm going to the bank tomorrow with both the marriage certificate and decree absolute. I think I read somewhere that you need both to change your name. Let the finding out begin

That's right, you do need both. The marriage certificate has your maiden name on it hence is the proof that it's your maiden name you're reverting back to and why you don't have to do it with deed poll.

I'm surprised some of you didn't get it back automatically. I wonder what was different. Mine was in 2014. Leeds Courts. I did it all myself without a solicitor. Maybe that's why. Strange!

That's right, you do need both. The marriage certificate has your maiden name on it hence is the proof that it's your maiden name you're reverting back to and why you don't have to do it with deed poll.

I'm surprised some of you didn't get it back automatically. I wonder what was different. Mine was in 2014. Leeds Courts. I did it all myself without a solicitor. Maybe that's why. Strange!

I did mine without a solicitor and got all the forms from the gov website. This gives you a step by step account of what happens. When it gets to the part explaining about needing to send off your marriage certificate it gives you a link to apply for a new one. That's where they got me.

Oh sorry FV, I didn't read your post properly. I actually ordered two copies of my marriage certificate... Just in case

I've just applied for driving licence in maiden name and just had to send off my birth certificate and absolute. I rang to check this at dvla too. I've also done my own deed poll and had people sign it.

How weird Ladybird I didn't get mine back also Leeds in 2014.

Unfortunately you have to keep the f'n thing for ever, tucked away with the decree absolute just in case. 25 years on and re-married for 5 times the length I was married the first time and I have still had occasion to have to show it for official paperwork

I always thought you could use your maiden name whenever you want. You have to prove your married name but your birth certificate has your maiden name which is yours for life. Not everyone changes their name upon marriage. I could be wrong though...

Yes that works unless you have to be able to prove the string of surnames - depends on your circumstances. Some professions/jobs/ employers require it to prove you have declared all previous surnames on a DBS check for example. Mortgage/credit providers can be difficult with this too sometimes so they can check for CCJs etc. My usual reason is because I stupidly took one set of professional exams under my first married name and have to be able to prove its me on the certificate!

It was definitely worth it though just to be free of the ex

You can call yourself what you like. I reverted back to my maiden name before my divorce was final (is that what the decree absolute is? I'm in Scotland and it's not called that here) so did the deed poll thing, but all banks and passport and stuff will accept your divorce certificate as proof of your name change.

For info I did the deed poll online and it was £30. It seemed a bit too easy to me but the certificates, I got about 10, were accepted by everyone.

I just started using my maiden name again, I didn't wait for my divorce, I just used my birth certificate and told my employer that I had changed my name.
Changed my name on the electoral roll and on bills.
I set up a new bank account using my birth certificate and bills. No need to tell them I was ever married.

No deed poll, no marriage or divorce certificate - have never needed them. (other than my divorce certificate to remarry) I have never seen my marriage certificate again after handing it over to get divorced - there is no way I would ever apply for a copy!
I have changed jobs, had CRB & DBS checks - it's never been needed.

Just to add that you have the absolute right to use your maiden name at any time - you don't have to be divorced or have to prove anything.

you do have to state all previous surnames on a DBS check application though, and it depends on your employer whether they ask for evidence of the dates of the changes to check you didn't have an extra name squeezed in between. Weirdly I was never asked to show my divorce certificate on remarriage- the CofE had just changed their rules to allow it in certain circumstances and the vicar took my word for it

Slightly off topic, but when we got married the registrar told me the certificate is the property of the woman. On that basis surely you shouldn't have to pay for a duplicate, unless ex has kept it, it should be returned to you.

Court kept mine also