My mate is waiting for her divorce to come through but wants to revert to her maiden surname now. Can she just start using it or does it have to be changed in law?Thanks
She can start using it if she wants ~ however from my own experience if she wants to change her bank details etc they may wish to see a document showing a legal change. She can change her name by deed poll, which is a legal document. Her solicitor can sort that out for her now ~ I did this and it was very simple.
There is nothing to stop her 'wishing to be known as Joe Bloggs' as long as she isn't doing that for fraudulent purposes.