As thousands of Brits get ready to jet away on foreign holidays, one key consideration could cause a major holdup at the airport.
For passengers embarking on their first post-divorce holiday, it might not all be sun and sangria if one important change has been made to their passport and ID. Solicitor Molly Thompson who specialises in name changes says that anyone in a newly divorced situation must make sure that they check all their travel documentation before they fly.
Following a divorce, some people will be confronted with the dilemma as to whether they should change their surname. Molly says that this is especially important for those who intend to travel abroad this summer.
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She says "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."
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Raydens Solicitor advises passengers to ensure that they undertake the following before they fly:
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.
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
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.
How do I change my surname after a divorce?
For individuals who wish to go back to their original name, 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
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If record-holders do not accept the above 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 Thompson says: “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.”
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