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📄 Separation & Divorce

Change your name after divorce or separation

Reclaiming your previous name — or choosing something entirely new — is a powerful step forward. We make it simple, straightforward, and affordable.

£9.99+ delivery  ·  legally valid
Start your application →
No solicitor needed
Accepted UK-wide
Delivered in 3–5 working days

Your name, your choice

After a divorce or separation, many people want to revert to their previous name or take a completely fresh start with a new one. A deed poll is the cleanest, most widely accepted way to do this — regardless of where you are in the divorce process.

You do not need your divorce to be finalised to apply for a deed poll. You can change your name at any point — before, during, or after legal proceedings.

Can I use my decree absolute instead?

If you're simply reverting to your maiden name, some organisations will accept your decree absolute (or decree nisi) alongside your marriage certificate. However, not all will — and the process becomes inconsistent. A deed poll gives you one clean document that every institution recognises, making the update process much faster and less stressful.

A deed poll is also necessary if you want to take a name that isn't your pre-marriage surname — such as a completely new name, or a parent's maiden name.

What names can I take?

  • Your maiden name or previous surname
  • A parent's or grandparent's surname
  • A completely new surname of your choice
  • Change your first name or middle names
  • Remove a hyphenated element from a double-barrelled name

Do I need to wait for the divorce to be final?

No. You can change your name by deed poll at any time — there is no legal requirement to wait for the divorce to be finalised. Many people choose to change their name early in proceedings to help them move forward.

How does it work?

1

Apply online

Complete our secure form with your current and new name. Takes around 5 minutes.

2

We hand-draft your deed poll

Our our team personally prepare your document on premium certificate paper with a gold seal.

3

We post it to you

Sent via tracked delivery. Arrives within 3–5 working days.

4

Sign and move forward

Sign in front of a witness and begin updating your records at your own pace.

Divorce name change FAQs

No. A deed poll is a legal document you can obtain without any solicitor involvement. You apply with us, we prepare the document, and you sign it in front of a witness. That's all that's required.

No. As an adult, you have the right to change your own name at any time without anyone else's permission. This includes changing back to a previous name or taking an entirely new one. Your ex-spouse has no legal say in what name you use.

Yes. There is no legal requirement to wait for your divorce to be completed. You can change your name by deed poll at any stage — before, during, or after proceedings.

Yes. All major UK banks, building societies, and financial institutions accept unenrolled deed polls. We include a guide to help you notify each organisation in the right order and with the right documents.

You can still change your name by deed poll. There is no requirement to be divorced, legally separated, or to provide any reason at all. A deed poll is available to any adult in the UK who wishes to change their name.

Ready to take back your name?

Legally valid deed poll, from £9.99. Delivered in 3–5 working days.

Start your application →

Important note: We are an independent document provider specialising in unenrolled deed polls. We are not affiliated with HM Government. If you need an Enrolled Deed Poll, visit the UK Government website.