Changing name after divorce

Do I need to change my surname after divorce?

If you changed your last name when you married, then divorce does not automatically change your name back again. So if, for example, you are a woman who took your husband's surname when you married, your name will not automatically revert to your maiden name; or if you double-barrelled your name when you married, it will not automatically revert to a single-barrelled name when you divorce.

After divorce, changing your name back to what it was before you married is for you to choose, and this will be a very personal decision for most people. Your partner cannot insist you continue to use their name or prevent you from continuing to use it. Your decision may or may not be affected by whether you have children and what name they use.

If you do wish to change your name back after divorce, this is usually a piecemeal process of letting the relevant organisations know (for example, HM Passport Office, the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency, your bank). You should check with each organisation, but it is usually sufficient to present either:

• your original marriage certificate, your original birth certificate, your decree absolute, and a signed statement declaring that you are switching back to your birth name for all purposes; or
• a deed poll.

If all you want to do is change your title (e.g., from Mrs to Miss or Ms), then you can simply start using your preferred title without any official process.