I want to use my maiden name again

[Terpe]

I just got my decree absolute and would like to apply for British Citizenship before they changed again the requirements later this year.

Can I use my maiden name again. On my Filipino Passport I was using my marriage name, would that be a conflict in my application for Citizenship? In the process, I supposed I would lose my Filipino Citizenship anyway.

Hello t5s,

Glad to hear your onwards and upwards.

In principle, here in the UK, you can pretty much call yourself whatever you want as long as it's not for fraudulent reasons.

Anyone, like yourself, wanting to revert back to their maiden name after divorce should normally find it as simple as just deciding when to do it, then informing all those organisations that need to know what you name change is.

Some organisations (Banks,DVLA,Credit Cards,Passport,HMRC,DWP etc) will most likely want to see some legal documentation.
In which case the key links and 'audit trail' between married name and maiden name are your Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate and Divorce Absolute.
With these documents you do not normally need to go through any other legal process to change your name.

You should take steps to have you new signature recorded on those important legal documents that need it.

Might help if you make a list of who needs to know. (think also about tenancy, utility bills, council tax, mobile phone etc)

I'm making the assumption, t5s, that your maiden name is the same as that shown on your birth certificate?

Yes you'll lose your Philippine citizenship when you take British Citizenship. But don't be concerned about that as it's a very simple quick and cheap process to re-acquire your Philippine Citizenship. You'll then become a member of the exclusive Dual Nationality 'club'.