Changing your name after divorce

When you get divorced or end a civil partnership in Northern Ireland, you can keep your married name, go back to a previous name or choose a new one.

Depending on the name you choose, you may be able to use documents you already have or you will need a deed poll. A deed poll is a legal document that changes your name.

Keeping your married name

You do not have to change your name after divorce. You do not need to tell anyone or provide any documents.

Going back to a previous name

Your divorce papers do not change your name. They show that your marriage has ended, but they say nothing about your name.

Some organisations will accept your birth certificate, marriage certificate and divorce documents together as proof that you are going back to a previous name. Others may ask for a deed poll instead.

A deed poll gives you one document to show each organisation.

Choosing a new name

You need a deed poll to change to a name you have not used before.

When to change your name

You can change your name by deed poll at any time. You do not need to wait until your divorce is finalised.

If you have children

Your children's names are not affected by your decision. Parents and children do not need to share a surname.

If you want to change your children's names too, everyone with parental responsibility must agree. This includes your former spouse if they have parental responsibility. Find out more about changing your child's name.

Financial arrangements

Changing your name does not affect financial settlements, maintenance payments or arrangements for your children. Your obligations continue under your new name.

Privacy

A deed poll is a private document. Your name change is not published or added to any public record.

You decide which organisations to tell. If you are changing your name for safety reasons, think carefully about who you tell and when.

Updating your records

Once you have changed your name, you need to tell the organisations that hold your records.

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Agency about your new name. There is no deadline for most other organisations.

Find out more about who to tell and updating your driving licence.

Apply for a deed poll

It costs £25 to apply for a deed poll with the NI Deed Poll Office. You can pay by debit or credit card.