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Closed petition Remove need for consent from married spouse to legally change surname

If a woman in an acrimonious divorce that is taking time to finalise wants to change her surname back to her maiden name she can only do this by deed poll. To enrol this with the courts she must provide written consent from her spouse to the deed poll forms.

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A divorced woman will have a final order from the court stating her marriage has ended. Many organisations will accept these as proof of a name change.

A woman who is still married can only change her surname by deed poll and to enrol this with the courts must attach a permission letter from her spouse stating they have no objection. This can allow a spouse to control an ex-partner, and disproportionately affects women.

This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months

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