Divorcing using maiden name

[Bogfaerie]

The circumstances of our divorce are horrible. I dont want to use my married name when can I go back to using my maiden name. Is it possible to change it now on bills etc and revert pre divorce.

Yes, you can change it by deed poll whenever you want to.

Whenever you like, you could make things easier by getting a deed poll and “changing” it back that way.

Even a deed poll probably isn't strictly needed ... but is probably a good idea when dealing with official business and will only set you back £50.

How to change your name by deed poll - GOV.UK

@UnemployedNotRetired how does this work with land registry and driving licence etc.

Also it says Changing your name if you are married or in a civil partnershipIf you are married or in a civil partnership and wish to change your name, you will need to include your husband, wife or partner’s written consent. You must include a:

• letter from them giving consent – it should include their full name and signature and say that they have no objections to you changing name

I'm not divorced yet currently divorcing.

Where have you got that from?

No way do you need anyone's permission to change your name. Just do it by deed poll, it's straightforward to do.

EDIT - have just seen that was on the link above. Seeing as you don't have to change name when you're married anyway, I can't see why this would be the case. I honestly can't believe this, it must be wrong, surely.

I changed mine before my divorce was final and didn’t have a problem with anyone accepting the deed poll including DVLA and passport office.

@KurtCobainLover sorry I dont mean to sound thick but could you tell me which website you used and did you have any problems. I really do need to drop my married name and solicitors are expensive.

I have changed my surname with no need for deed poll, renewed passport etc in new name and changed bills.

I used this company for mine but I think you can do it yourself. I just wanted something that looked a little official.

www.deedpoll.org.uk

I thought your maiden name was always your name so there is no reason you would need a deedpoll to use it. Can you not just start using it?

We're you divorced though. My Divorce is still going through.

There are two types of deed poll - the most common where you just declare you are renouncing your old name and using your new. This can be done with standard wording and then witnessed - I paid with some website called something like name change just to get printed copies.

This is usually fine for passports, dvla, bank accounts etc.

The more formal one lodges it on an official register. You don’t need this but this is the one you need permission from partner for. You don’t need this unless there are some particular legal requirements for it.

Technically you can go by any name without documentation as long as you’re not doing it to defraud anyone, but your official documents will need evidence.

I’ve done this twice - once to go double barrelled after marriage and now reverting back on separation.

I don't think you need to be divorced. You can just revert to your birth cert name. I definitely didn't wait until decree nisi

There's no way to have to get your wife or husbands permission to change your name!

I agree, what on earth!

Many things you can change your name just by informing then - utilities, council tax, at the GP etc.
More formal thing like bank accounts, driving license and passport you may need to show marriage certificate and decree absolute and sometimes birth certificate. At least that's what I recall having to do.

My advice would be to either do it fully or not, rather than have different names on different things.

I've never needed anyone's permission nor done anything via deed poll, just documents. Some need the original copy which can be a pita.

@Bogfaerie
I started changing it before it was finalised , never had to give proof

There is - for an enrolled deed poll. Most people get unenrolled deed polls which don’t need permission.

www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/enrol-a-deed-poll-with-the-courts

I used an unenrolled deed poll when I did mine during my divorce. https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll/make-an-adult-deed-poll

Things were taking so long and I didn't want to be known by my married name any longer. I was able to change all my bank accounts, new passport and driving licence this way.

How long ago was this. I looked on my bank it will only accept an enrolled deedpoll.

its early days with my divorce but I changed my name via deed poll a few weeks ago. Just used the writing on the .gov website, got it witnessed by two friends and dvla, banks etc have all accepted it. It was an exhilarating feeling - seeing my married name was making me feel physically sick.

There really aren't as many rules around what you call yourself as a lot of people seem to think. You can basically use any time you want, and change it at any time (simply by telling people your new name) as long as you don't intend to defraud anyone (unless you're in a particular profession where a qualification is in a particular name or something , but it doesn't sound like that's an issue here).

The issues will be around proving your identity to things like the bank, but if you're using a name that's on your birth certificate then you can use that, and it'll be fine.

Honestly, update your Facebook profile; people will take the hint and you'll be done.

My bank were perfectly happy to accept my birth certificate

That's how I feel .I'm just worried that the banks may not accept it. Did you take it into bank personally or do it all via email. Also they will need to send out new bank cards and driving licence?

@Bogfaerie about 2019 or 2020 I think. I did my driving licence and passport first. Then the banks. They should accept a passport or driving licence as proof of new ID along side the deed poll. If not, can you change banks?