The documents route#
GOV.UK's deed poll guidance says that after a divorce or the end of a civil partnership you may be able to go back to your original name by showing record-holders your marriage certificate and decree absolute, or your civil partnership certificate and final order. Between them the two documents show the name you had, the name you took, and that the marriage or partnership has ended. Many organisations accept them and change the name.
The passport office wants more. GOV.UK says to return to a previous surname on your passport you also send your birth certificate, a statement signed by you that you have gone back to the previous surname for all purposes, and a document showing you are using it, such as a payslip or a letter from your council, along with the certificate showing both names.
When the documents are not enough#
GOV.UK adds that some organisations will not change your name back without a deed poll. It does not say which, and there is no list; a refusal is usually a policy of the organisation or a cautious member of staff. You can ask them to show you the policy, or you can make a deed poll, which every organisation accepts and which takes a few days. Most people who are refused once make the deed poll rather than argue the point with each organisation in turn.
A deed poll also solves the timing problem. The documents route needs the decree absolute or final order, which arrives at the end of the process. A deed poll can be signed at any stage, married, separated or divorced, and your name changes on the day you sign it. NatWest's published policy, for example, accepts the marriage certificate with your birth certificate for a separation without divorce, but not every organisation is as flexible.
A different name#
The documents only take you back to a name on the certificates. A new name that has nothing to do with the marriage is a deed poll, with no divorce papers needed. Changing your name after divorce covers the bank, the passport and your children's names, which are a separate question.
