surname change before divorce

[fernglass]

I've been separated a few months, divorce likely not to be until next year as dh is so chronically unorganised and taking ages to get any documents needed. I've been thinking of changing my surname back to my old name by deed poll before getting divorced, as it feels like part of moving on and getting my life back on track.

I was speaking to a friend who said don't do this as it might slow down the divorce, because a lot of the documentation (on finances etc) will be in my married name. Surely I could just submit the deed poll document to show I've changed my name? Does anyone have experience of this being an issue?

Also has anyone changed name and found a really comprehensive list of the kind of people and organisations to inform? The ones I've found online seem too basic. I want something that reminds me of the less obvious things to think about, not just passport, kids' school, local council, bank, etc. I started compiling my own list, but don't want to reinvent the wheel if there's a better list online that I could use as a starting point.

You didn't use deed poll when switching to your married name so I'm pretty sure you don't need to bother with deed poll now. You can just start going by your old name.

I've looked at the info on gov.uk about whether or not I need an official deed pool or can make do with an 'unenrolled' (ie DIY) one. I think you're right Revolting, that I could just change my name, but it would be easier to have a document to show to banks, etc, and probably worth the £42 cost if it reduces stress and hassle.

You could prepare a Statutory Change of Name Declaration yourself and arrange to sign it in front of a solicitor. ( though I'm not sure what they charge these days - used to be £25.00) They are quite straightforward and then you just need to send it off to wherever you need to change the name.

I did mine through deed poll, the advantage of that being that you can buy multiple certified copies so it doesn’t take ages to notify all of the relevant organisations. I was surprised how many insisted on certified copies. It made it quicker and was worth the cost. I can’t help with the list as I had the same issue but I started by looking at my direct debits.

Thanks Netty - I just looked into this, but, in the light what Feart says about certified copies, I think the relatively small extra expense of the deed poll is probably worth it.

Thanks Feart - I think I'm going to do this, and its useful to hear that some places ask for certified copies.

I deed Polled mine before my divorce came through cost me a tenner to do and then 20 quid for additional certs. The things i changed as a priority were Passport, Driving licence, Bank details, Car insurance, Council tax, Gas, electric, credit cards, tv licence, sky. Probs a few more. 8 years later and im still trying to change my Paypal name this has been the most difficult for some reason

I changed my name by DP before divorce, did it thru an online company as they provided me with a sealed copy and a number of certified copies. I only had a couple of places insist on the sealed copy - I think DVLA (didn't bother with passport as it was expiring) and most memorable was my bank, I never went to a branch and was unwilling to post the only copy so ended up dropping into a random branch when on holiday months later! And of course the divorce court needed the sealed copy but sent it back very quickly.

Thanks JenniferAllisonPhillipaSue. I've seen companies that do deed polls, but had assumed it was something like the companies that charge you extra to do passport applications, which you can do yourself. I will look again and see what they offer.