Passport warning to anyone who is divorced, with three checks to make

Anybody who got divorced since last summer is being urged to make checks before they head away on a trip abroad this year. Government figures show that 23,517 divorce applications were made between October and December 2023.

Overall, 110,770 divorce applications were filed last year, while a total of 103,501 final orders were granted. After a divorce, some people will face the dilemma of whether they should change their surname. If you do choose to change your surname, key considerations will need to be made.

Molly Thompson, Solicitor at Rayden Solicitors, who are experts in change of name deeds, says that this is especially important for those who intend to travel abroad this summer. If you are newly separated and have changed your legal name, you will need to pay close attention to the status of your passport to prevent any issues while travelling.

These checks include:

1. Update your passport and boarding pass with your new legal name: Airlines and border officials require that the name on your ticket exactly matches the name on your passport. It is crucial to verify this in advance, as any discrepancies could result in being refused boarding or encountering entry issues. This step is especially important if you booked your holiday before you changed your name.

2. Contact your travel insurance provider: If a name appears incorrect, or you have changed your name and this is not reflected on your insurance documents, we would advise contacting your provider to correct this, or you may not be covered.

3. Take your change of name deed with you: This will ensure that if required, you have the documentation to prove your identity following changing your name.

If you wish to go back to your original name after a divorce, most record-holders will accept documentary evidence in the form of your marriage certificate and final order.

To revert to your previous surname on your passport, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Your birth certificate

• A statement signed by you saying you have gone back to a previous surname (for example your maiden name) ‘for all purposes’

• A document that shows you are using your new name (for example a payslip, or a letter from your local council)

• Your marriage certificate

If record-holders do not accept the documents as evidence of a name change, or you wish to change your name to something other than your previous name, you can obtain a deed poll. This is a legal document that allows you to change any part of your name.

Molly at Rayden Solicitors said: “There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether to change your name after divorce. It is important to consider the different factors carefully, and ultimately do what feels right for you.

For those who have changed their name or have a holiday booked in their married name and are currently going through the process of changing their legal name, ensure that you have performed all of the necessary checks to avoid disappointment at the airport.”