Divorce is one of the most common reasons people, usually, women, want to change their surname. In some cases, you don’t need a Deed Poll to change your surname. All you need is your decree absolute. However, there are situations when you need a Deed Poll in order to get back to your maiden name. Since that depends on several factors, let’s have a look at following information about changing surname.

Changing Your Surname For UK Nationals

In cases when you took your husband’s name upon marrying him and your divorce is officially completed, you don’t need a Deed Poll to change your surname. It’s because you will have you decree absolute to prove your marriage is over. Therefore, in order to notify all relevant record-holders, you will only need to show them your birth certificate, marriage certificate, the decree absolute, and a signed statement that you want to return to your maiden name.

However, if you got married outside the UK and one of your certificates isn’t in English, you will need a Deed Poll. Actually, you will need to have your certificate translated by an accredited translator so you can legally change your surname. But, since that costs pretty much, a Deed Poll is a cheaper alternative. Plus, you don’t have to have your certificate translated nor you have to send it to the HM Passport Office.

You will also need a Deed Poll if:

• You have previously changed your surname by Deed Poll;
• You didn’t simply take your husband’s surname upon marrying him.
• You want to change your surname before your divorce is finalized and you receive your decree absolute. In this case, although you have changed your surname by a Deed Poll, you have to state that you are still married until the divorce is finalized.
• You don’t want to return to your maiden name but want to have a completely different surname.
• You are missing your birth or marriage certificate. In this case, you will also have to apply for a replacement of your missing document in the General Register Office.

How to Change Your Surname For Non-UK Nationals

If you aren’t a UK citizen but you are living in the UK, you can use a Deed Poll to change your surname and update your personal information at the record-holders. But, in order to update your personal information in your native country and change your surname on the passport, you have to follow the legal procedures of that country. In order to get informed about the procedures of changing your surname and updating your documents, especially your passport, you should talk to authorities from your Embassy or the High Commission in the UK. It’s because your passport is the first thing you should update so you can update all your documents. However, you should first ask the authorities in your native country before changing your surname.

If they accept Deed Poll, you can use it to change your surname even if you didn’t get married and divorced in the UK. Actually, you will probably have to have your documents translated by an accredited translator before legally change your surname. But, since that’s expensive, obtaining a Deed Poll is cheaper. And, if you obtain a Deed Poll you won’t need to have your certificate translated nor you will have to send it to the HM Passport Office.

How To Change Your Surname By A Deed Poll?

If you need a Deed Poll, you can obtain one either from a certain local institution or you can purchase it online. Since online is always cheaper and easier, a lot of people choose that option. If you choose the “online” option, all you have to do to change your surname is:

• Apply for a Deed Poll – You can do this by leaving your personal information, including your new surname. Then, you need to pay to order it. Once you do that, you will receive your Deed Poll at your home, in a couple of days.
• Execute your Deed Poll – This means you will have to sign it and have it witnessed by someone you know, who is 18 or older, but it’s not your relative nor lives in your home.
• Notify all relevant record-holders – The last thing you need to do is notify all institutions, authorities, and organizations who hold your records. Those include HM Passport Office, banks, DVLA, private practices you visit, finance institutions, your employer, advocate, and other record-holders.

Changing your surname after divorce can be easy if you use a Deed Poll. It’s especially easy if you do it by applying for a Deed Poll online. however, since the law is different for the UK and non-UK citizens, first you need to learn more about it before you change your surname.