A woman's rights upon separation
If you are separated from your husband, and you took his surname upon marriage, you can revert to your maiden name at any time. Changing your name by Deed Poll does not affect any divorce proceedings that may follow your separation. Neither does it matter if divorce proceedings have commenced. All you need to do is notify your solicitor (when you start divorce proceedings) of your name change. All subsequent documentation relating to your divorce will then be in your maiden name.
When changing your name by Deed Poll, you can also take the opportunity to make changes to your forename(s) if you wish e.g. change, add or remove your first and/or middle names. With regard to your title, it is up to you whether you continue using Mrs or change your title to Miss or Ms.
If you wish to change your title when you change your name, you will see a section on our Deed Poll application form where you can tell us what new title you want so we can incorporate a declaration on your Deed Poll that changes your title.
Changing your children's name(s) upon separation/divorce
You can change your child's name to your new surname, but you will need to get permission from everyone with 'parental responsibility' which usually includes the child's father.
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This page was last checked today by Julie Madely, Senior Deed Poll Officer.
