Today I delivered my petition for divorce to the courts- woohoo! Now I want my name back..

[misscathcart]

Will it go back automatically when the divorce goes through? Do I have to change it by deed poll?
How do I go about all this?
I'm keen to be 'me' again!
thanks

congratulations, sounds like it was a positive step for you.
Your name does not automatically change on pronouncement of Decree Nisi but you can do it very easily by way of a change of name deed. You can either do it yourself if you can find a precedent on the internet or you can get it prepared by a solicitor who shouldn't charge too much to do it as its a very simple document. You will then need to get a few certified copies as you will need to use these to change things like your bank accounts, passport, driving licence etc. Some banks will do it very quickly in branch but others will send it off to head office to deal with. By the way, you don't actually need to wait until the divorce is finalised, you can get on and deal with it now.

ps. meant Decree Absolute not Nisi which is the second decree when the divorce is final. Its been a long day, need sleep!

ps. meant Decree Absolute not Nisi which is the second decree when the divorce is final. Its been a long day, need sleep!

you can tell i'm tired, pressed it twice!

thanks mumoverseas
what is it I need to look for on the internet? A precedent? Sorry to sound ignorant but where do I look?
I can't afford a solicitor unfortunately - I did the forms myself (with some help from you the other week - thank you!)
I will definately get on with changing it all now in that case, the sooner the better.

also - just a thought - i just had a look at the deed poll website and it says about needing the marriage certificate. I have now given this to the court- will i get it back?

sorry misscathcart, was using legal jargon. A precedent is an example of how the form should be set out. It really is a simple document, just sets out what your name was and what it will be changing to. I will have a look later today and see if I can find one (just sneaked downstairs for some caffine whilst DD sleeping) A solicitor would charge probably in the region of 100 pounds although it may be a bit more now. If I can find something I'll let you know.
Not sure what the deed poll website is talking about. When you issue divorce proceedings the orginal marriage goes to the Court never to be returned! Did you keep a photocopy? If not, you can apply for a certified copy from the area register office where you got married. (hope you didn't get married abroad as that can be an issue) if not, maybe go and speak to one of the friendly clerks in the county court office and ask if they can just photocopy it for you although don't see why you need it. Again, I'll have a look for a form and get back to you.

I didnt do anything leaglly, I just reverted to my maiden name (both times ) I dint have a passport in those days so didnt think I needed to.

(BTW well done Cath, hope you and DD are doing well)

thanks mum, you're a gem, I really appreciate your help with this!

And thanks Shosha, we are both doing great thanks. Soooo happy we have got through this year and out the other side, now with huge big smiles on our faces and happy hearts
Will have to catch up over a virtual cuppa, or bottle of mulled wine, very soon!

qhwn i got divorced and i knew it was going through, i just changed it back, wet into teh bank and asked them to change it back and they did. The passport office wanted copies of the divorce stuff but that went through before.

All very easy and didnt pay more than the divorce cost.

good good
I'll get on the case very soon! Luckily I didnt actually get round to changing my passport so it is still in my maiden name anyway.