Changing Your Name After Divorce or Marriage: A Quick Guide

Changing your name after marriage or divorce is a personal decision, but it’s also a legal process that requires the right documents and a bit of paperwork. Whether you’re taking your partner’s name, going back to your maiden name, or choosing something new, here’s what you need to know about changing your name legally in the UK — and how MLS Legal can help.

After Marriage: Taking a New Name

If you’ve just got married and want to take your partner’s surname (or combine names), the process is usually straightforward. You don’t need a deed poll if you’re using your marriage certificate as evidence of your name change.

What you’ll need:

• An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate

• Proof of identity (e.g. passport, driving licence)

• Proof of address (e.g. utility bill or bank statement)

You can then use these documents to update your name with HM Passport Office, DVLA, your bank, GP, and other institutions. Some organisations may ask for a completed name-change form, but most will accept your marriage certificate.

After Divorce: Going Back to Your Maiden Name

After a divorce, many people choose to revert to their maiden name or a previous surname. This is also a common and accepted process.

What you’ll need:

• Your decree absolute (final divorce order)

• Your original marriage certificate (if you have it)

• A statutory declaration or deed poll (if required by certain organisations)

Some institutions may accept just the decree absolute, while others might ask for a deed poll to show your intention to legally resume your former name. This is especially true when updating your passport or driving licence.

Using a Deed Poll

A deed poll is a formal legal document that confirms you’ve changed your name. It’s not always required, but it’s the most recognised and official way to prove a name change — especially if you’re not reverting to a previous name or if documents are missing.

At MLS Legal, we can prepare a legally binding deed poll for you, making the entire process smoother and stress-free. We ensure it’s properly witnessed, formatted, and accepted by all major UK institutions.

How MLS Legal Can Help

Changing your name might seem simple, but each institution has its own rules — and errors can lead to delays, rejected documents, or confusion in future applications.

At MLS Legal, we offer:

• Professionally drafted deed polls

• Assistance with statutory declarations

• Help gathering the correct documents

• Advice on updating passports, banks, HMRC, and DVLA

• Support if you’re changing your child’s name (with or without consent from both parents)

Whether you’re recently married, newly divorced, or simply ready for a fresh start, we’re here to make sure the legal side of your name change is done properly — and with minimal fuss.

Ready to Make the Change?

Contact MLS Legal today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters, your new chapter