How To Revert To Maiden Name After Divorce

Reclaiming your maiden name after divorce can be a refreshing new beginning and an important step in your personal journey. The process to revert to maiden name after divorce in the UK is straightforward, and you have multiple options to make this transition smooth and empowering.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

No Official Procedure Required

Great news! The UK has a flexible approach to name changes after divorce. You can start using your maiden name immediately without any formal court applications or fees. This flexibility gives you control over your identity and timeline.

Using Your Decree Absolute as Proof

Your decree absolute serves as powerful legal evidence of your right to revert to your maiden name. Most organisations recognise this document, making your transition simpler than you might expect.

Marriage is a significant milestone that brings about various legal considerations, especially concerning a woman's rights and choices regarding her surname

In the UK, women have the autonomy to decide whether to adopt their spouse’s surname, retain their maiden name, or choose an alternative option. Understanding these rights ensures that your personal and professional identity aligns with your preferences.

Using a Deed Poll as an Alternative

When to Consider a Deed Poll

While not strictly necessary for reverting to your maiden name after divorce, a deed poll can be helpful if:

You’ve lost your decree absolute
You want additional official documentation
You’re changing to a name different from your maiden name
You prefer having a dedicated name change document

Ordering Your Deed Poll

Getting a deed poll is a positive and empowering choice:

Apply online through our quick and easy Deed Poll service.
Complete the simple application form
Receive your official deed poll document, as soon as next day!
Use this alongside or instead of your decree absolute when updating records

A deed poll gives you an additional layer of official documentation that many find reassuring during this transition.

Retrieving Important Documentation

When changing back to your maiden name, you may need to locate certain documents that you no longer have. Here’s guidance on obtaining replacement copies of essential paperwork.

Obtaining a Copy of Your Decree Absolute

If you cannot locate your decree absolute, don’t worry—you can request a replacement from the court that handled your divorce proceedings.

To find the appropriate court:

For divorces in England or Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, you’ll need to contact the specific court where your divorce was finalised.

For decree absolutes issued within England and Wales:

The fee is £5 when you can provide your case number
If you need the court to search for your case number, the cost increases to £40

If you’re uncertain which court processed your divorce, you can contact the Principal Registry of the Family Division for assistance:

Complete form D440 (Request for Search for Decree Absolute)
Include the required £60 payment
Submit your request to: Principal Registry of the Family Division First Avenue House 42-49 High Holborn London WC1V 6NP

Replacing Birth and Marriage Certificates

For replacing personal identification documents such as birth or marriage certificates:

Contact the General Register Office directly
Applications can be submitted through their online portal
Each replacement certificate currently costs £9.25

These replacement documents provide the necessary legal proof for reverting to your maiden name and updating your official records.

Apply For A Name Change In Under 5 Minutes With UK Deed Poll Service. The UK's First Deed Poll Company

Now that you understand your options for reverting to your maiden name after divorce, you might prefer the simplicity and convenience of having an official deed poll document to support your transition.

Apply For A Name Change In Under 5 Minutes With UK Deed Poll Service

If you’d like to streamline your name change process with a professional service, the UK Deed Poll Service offers a quick and efficient solution. As the UK’s first deed poll company, we provide:

Professionally printed deed poll documents
Fast processing times
Comprehensive guidance for using your deed poll
Documents accepted by all UK institutions
Expert support throughout your name change journey

Whether you’re using your decree absolute or want additional documentation, a deed poll can simplify updating your records across multiple organisations and provide you with an official record of your name change.