In divorce, a woman may use:
- her married name, although not to imply that she is still
married
- any of her previous married names if she has been married
more than once
- her maiden name
In normal circumstances, to return to her maiden name would not
require a Deed Poll as the decree absolute and marriage certificate
would provide sufficient evidence of the change of name to all
of the people and organisations who need to know. However, if
it is not accepted, then a Deed Poll will be required.
You will need a Deed Poll if you want to change your name during
a period of seperation and also if you want to change your childrens'
surname. To change a child's name, you will need written consent
from the father (this complex issue is described in more detail
under Children.)