Dear Kate & Emily,

Jane Smith (nee Dubowzigernustbust)

Dear Jane,

Just like you, many women want to revert back to their maiden name. This can be accomplished in one of two ways: by Deed Poll, or by using your decree absolute and marriage certificate. It is sometimes possible for a divorced woman to revert to her maiden name without the need for a Deed Poll if her decree absolute certificate and marriage certificate (which shows her maiden name) are accepted as documentary evidence of her change of name. Upon presentation of these certificates most government departments, and many companies and organisations, will change their records to show the woman's maiden name. However, some companies and organisations will not accept a decree absolute, in particular the financial institutions such as banks and building societies. So, my top tip is to get it covered NOW and go for the deed poll. It’s quick and easy to do by going to the country’s biggest and best www.deedpoll.org

After changing your name by Deed Poll, you must notify everyone that has your personal records to let them know you have changed your name. Government departments and agencies such as the Passport Office and the DVLA will need to see your original Deed Poll document (or legal copy) as will your bank, building society and credit card companies. Most other companies and organisations will accept a photocopy. Listed below are many of the companies and organisations you need to advise of your change of name, you may think of others!.

· Employer.
· Inland Revenue for tax and NI records (obtain your reference and tax office address from your employer).
· School/college/university.
· Doctor.
· Dentist.
· Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority (driving licence and vehicle registration document).
· Passport Office (to apply for a new passport).
· Bank.
· Building Society (mortgage and/or savings accounts).
· Utility companies (water, sewerage, electricity, gas).
· Telephone company
· Mobile telephone company
· Local authority (council tax and register of electors).
· HM Land Registry (if you own land or property).
· TV Licensing office.
· Credit card and store charge-card companies.
· Finance/loan companies.
· Premium Bond office.
· Investment companies.
· Companies you have shares in.
· Pension company.
· Insurance companies (e.g. motor, medical, life, endowments, buildings, contents, extended warranties etc).
· Mail-order companies.
· Motoring organisations.
· Professional institutes and bodies.
· Clubs, societies and associations.
· Internet Service Provider.

Following on from this, you may be concerned about traveling with your children using different surnames. Most of the time you will be fine but do note that even if the airline is happy to fly you (which they will be 99% of the time) with a simple explanation, be warned. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth site single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. My top tip no 2 when you are sorting out all this business is to get a proper parental responsibility document drawn up and properly witnessed. It does need a proper stamp from a commissioner of oaths on it, but go for it. Seems to me armed with your Deed Poll and parental document you should be covered.