Reverting to Your Maiden Name

Start changing names now - you don't need to be divorced!! We explain exactly what's required. 

What is required by law?

If you simply took your husband's name when you were married by way of showing your marriage certificate, you have by law 'assumed' his name. Legally you can still be known by your prior name at any time. If you want to revert to your maiden name you should only need to show your marriage and birth certificates which link your current and former names. If your divorce is finalised it's often easier to show your decree absolute and birth certificate. If you were born abroad you can show your permanent residency or citizenship papers plus either marriage certificate or decree absolute. (cont...)

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What proof do companies need to change records?

Each organisation has the right to set their own documentary evidence required for name change and it's not always consistent. If you are not divorced some companies will insist on a deed poll certificate, even though you are legally entitled to be known by your maiden name at any time. If an organisation insists on a deed poll we recommend being persistent and speaking to another company representative and explaining the law. 

Your passport may be one of the first documents you update. You can do this online and don't need to be divorced. You will be required to provide a statutory declaration that you've reverted to your former name and show evidence that you are using your preferred name. This may be correspondence from a financial institution, government department or payslip. 

When a company insists on a deed poll, update your photo ID first. Show this alongside your marriage and birth certificates. If your name change request is still rejected, reconsider your options; You can close your account and reopen a new one using your updated license or passport, or choose to do business with a more progressive organisation.

Make the change as simple as possible

We can tell you the exact name change procedure for all companies where you need to change names. We'll provide your personalised and ready to send letters, emails and forms. No guesswork, no waiting on hold. 

Ready to start changing names?

You can be divorced, happily married or somewhere in between. Each of our letters states what name change proof to include for that company. Where we say to enclose your certificate, simply include your decree absolute or marriage and birth certificates. Want to know which companies we have procedures and paperwork for? Just click the button below.

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