When can I change my name.?

Still going through Ancillary Relief stuff coming 3 years & could continue for some time.

Question 1.. when is best time to apply for Absolute.... Nisi granted 2010??

Question 2..Really wish to convert to Maiden Name. How & when can I do this? Do I need a Absolute first.??

Have to renew passport drivers licence etc all cmin up & wld like to use my maiden name. Really want to move on... but limbo re finances.

Your name is what you say it is.

If you want some proof of change of name for bank etc you could just get a Deed Poll.

Wy Spec

Thanks for your reply. Do I have to go through Deed Poll for bank,passport etc.

Also:
Question.. when is best time to apply for Absolute.... Nisi granted 2010??

As WY said, changing your name is as simple as saying "I am now called Ms. Matilda Flibblebottom". You don''t need anything. Anyone can do it at any time whether single, married, separated or divorced.

However some agencies especially the passport office will need some kind of written evidence of this change and that is what a deed poll is. Really it''s just a piece of paper saying "Mr. Cookie2 is now known as Mr. Biscuit3". There''s no official government deed poll service or anything like that. All these companies on the internet etc are just a printing company who print a piece of paper saying those words, with some decoration on, nothing more. But yes some agencies insist on you having one so you would need to ask each particular agency what they require. The best way to do it I think, is to do your passport first. Then you can use your passport to change your name on everything else, since almost all agencies will accept a passport.

After Decree Absolute (and assuming you''re going back to your maiden name) it is easy, you just send your absolute with the application form job done, you don''t need anything else. So maybe it''s simpler to wait until then. But certainly it''s quite possible to do it before then.


As for applying for Absolute, usually the best time is as soon as the finances are sorted by means of a Consent Order or court order. In some cases you can apply before then.

Thanks Cookie

As it looks like my financial affairs will be ongoing for some time & the other things are expiring eg passport etc... I will contact passport office to see what they require?

Decree Absolute, Is there a time limit from NISI to Absolute?

I wld like to apply for this now but feel it would not be advisable re finances but this argument cld go on for years.

I waited for Absolute to do mine then it was a case of sending a copy of it off with appropriate form to passport and driving licence agency. The bank was the same, they tried to tell me I needed a deed poll but when I insisted they did it. Doctors will not change medical records, they are being particularly stubborn. Also car insurance, your no claims cant be transfered to a different name so ive left that too. I had no problems in work and no problems with tax credits its all just a phone call. Good luck, I love having my own name back.

Hi happe Yes I cant wait to get back to my maiden name for lots of reasons.

If I could get the Absolute asap, that would solve many problems but it has been suggested to wait for financial settlement. As that could take forever I was looking for a quick way out.

May have to go for deed poll!

Next prob childrens names.....