Changing your name after a divorce or dissolution

Names form a key part of our connection with ourselves and our identity. Going through a divorce or a civil partnership dissolution can be difficult and make someone question that connection to their identity. It can lead to the question of how to change your name.

There are those who will opt to keep their married name, perhaps for practicality and professional reasons. Others may do so for personal reasons, such as sharing the surname of their children and keeping that formal connection. Ultimately, many people may choose to revert to their pre-marital surname as a means of reclaiming their identity prior to marriage. This brings us back to the question of — how to change your name after a divorce or dissolution?

Do you have to change your name after a divorce or civil partnership dissolution?

No. There is no requirement or obligation to change your name. The law simply allows you to revert to your original name.

Why you might choose not to change your name

• it may simply be that you do not want to go through the formal legal process that is involved in changing your name
• it may have been a long marriage and you now feel a connection and identity with this name
• your children may share the same surname and you wish to keep this name to maintain that connection and identity with them
• professional reasons linked to your work and professional network.

Why you might want to change your name

• simply for a fresh start and a clean break from the marriage
• reclaiming your identity prior to marriage
• to formally and legally show an end to the marriage and a new start
• it could help with future relationships and build a new confidence.

Who should you inform of the name change?

Once your name change has been completed you should update your formal records. You may wish to contact the following (this is a non-exhaustive list):

• banks and building societies
• utilities companies (gas, electricity, water, council tax etc)
• mortgage lender or landlord
• insurance companies
• employer
• HMRC
• Electoral Register
• credit or loan providers
• passport office
• DVLA (driver’s license and vehicle registration).

How to change your name after a divorce or dissolution

If you wish to change your name on formal documents, such as a passport or a driving licence, and with organisations such as banks and the DVLA, they may require the following documents:

• original marriage or civil partnership certificate
• original birth certificate
• a signed statement declaring that you are switching back to your birth name for all purposes
• The Decree Absolute / Final Order of Divorce.

If you are missing any of the originals and do not wish to apply for copies, another option is to request a Deed Poll that will make your new name official.

Not all companies or organisations will require you to provide a Deed Poll to show you change in name, however some may. View the Deed Poll name change process.

How long do I have to change my name after divorce or dissolution?

There is no set period or requirement to change your name after a divorce or dissolution. You can even seek to change your name prior to receiving a final order in the divorce or dissolution proceedings. Whilst there is no determined period, it would be logical administratively to change your name once the divorce has been finalised.

Changing the surname of a child

This article deals only with adults who wish to change their name. Changing the name of a child is a complex issue.