Having Multiple Surnames in One Household
Having Multiple Surnames in One Household
Blended families exist all across the UK, and for many, it can be a wonderful way to build one big happy family. However, this often means multiple surnames within the home. For families wanting to share a single surname, our Family Deed Poll option allows everyone to update their names together.
This blog looks at the much more common occurrence of multiple-surname households.
Divorce – An End, but Also a Beginning
More people are divorcing now than ever before. This doesn’t mean relationships are less important; it is just that ending a marriage is now more socially acceptable than it was, say, fifty or thirty years ago. Getting divorced does not mean you have given up on marriage altogether; you have just ended the one that wasn’t right for you. Whether you go on to remarry or you simply live with a new partner, if you have children, this could mean multiple surnames in the house. Similarly, if you have children by more than one father and they both took their father’s surname, changing yours could mean three separate surnames. This may lead to confusion or even upset for young children.
What is the Right Choice?
There is no one-size-fits-all here. It is largely down to personal preference whether you change your name or keep it, and why. If you have divorced someone and wish to return to your maiden name, having multiple surnames in the home should not be a deciding factor. Whether the name change would cause issues for work, travel, and your children is definitely more of a consideration.
The best thing to do is to ensure you are happy and comfortable with your own name. Or if you are comfortable changing it. Blended families could bring a little mixture of surnames, but ask yourself this: Does it really matter? As long as everybody is happy and comfortable and all identification documents are correct and up to date, it should not cause an issue.
Should I Revert to My Maiden Name After Divorce?
If you have recently divorced, you may wonder if you should change your name. This decision should not be rushed, particularly when emotions are running high. You should consider a number of things:
- Are children involved?
- If the relationship ended badly, do you want that association?
- Do you identify more with your maiden name?
- Would you be doing it purely through spite?
- Are you prepared to change your name with HMRC, banks, the passport office, DVLA, work, doctors, etc.?
If you’re considering changing your name after divorce, our Adult Deed Poll service makes the process quick and affordable. Or for more information, the UK Government provides useful guidance on changing your name after divorce.
Ultimately, everyone is different, and there is no real right answer. Just be sure to think things through before making big decisions.
You can also read the Citizens Advice guide on changing your name for more practical information on updating your official documents.
If you would like to change your name, contact deedpolls.co.uk.