Deed Poll After Divorce/Dissolution: How to Legally Revert to Your Previous Name (UK)

Following a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership, many people wish to revert to a surname they used previously, often their maiden name or a name from before the relationship. While you might start using the name socially, making it your legal name again usually requires a Deed Poll.

Do I Always Need a Deed Poll?

  • If You Changed Name by Deed Poll/Usage Upon Marriage: If you formally adopted your partner’s surname (either by Deed Poll or simply by using it consistently after marriage/civil partnership, which is common practice), then using a new Deed Poll is the clearest and most widely accepted way to legally revert to your previous name. It provides definitive proof for updating official documents.
  • If You Never Legally Changed Your Name: If you never formally adopted your ex-partner’s surname for official purposes (e.g., on your passport/driving licence), you might simply revert to using your existing legal name. However, if there’s any ambiguity, a Deed Poll confirming your desired name can still be useful.

The Process with a Deed Poll:

  1. Obtain a New Adult Deed Poll: Use a service like Legalmaster.
  2. Declare Your Intention: The Deed Poll will state your current legal name (your married/partnered name) and declare that you are reverting to your specified former name (e.g., maiden name) for all purposes.
  3. Execute Correctly: Sign with both your current married/partnered signature and your reverted name signature, and have it witnessed properly.
  4. Update Records: Use the new Deed Poll, often alongside your Decree Absolute/Final Order (as supporting evidence of marital status change), to update your name on your passport, driving licence, bank accounts, HMRC, utilities, etc.

Reverting to a previous name after a relationship ends is a common reason for using a Deed Poll. It provides clear, indisputable legal evidence of your name change. Legalmaster offers a simple, confidential service to help you create this document. Call us on 0333 340 8984 to discuss reverting your name.

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