maiden names

[antnlynn1]

if my birth certificate has my real fathers names on it but i have used my step dads surname for 15 years - what name will i use when i get married? my real fathers or my step fathers? if i used my step fathers even though not legally adopted by him would this be legal?

[Oneeyedvic]

I shortened my name around 20 years ago via the solicitors. I had completely lost all the documentation for it.

When I got married 3 years ago, they asked if I had used any other names - I explained and once I maintained that there was no way I could find the certificate, they simply had on the marriage certificate: "Oneeyedvic formerly know as oneeyedvic12345"

So shouldn't be any trouble - just have a chat with the registrar

[Kathyan]

I changed my name by deed poll and when I got married they put my changed name and 'formally known as ....' as well. Unlike oneeyedvic I did have the paperwork though! My neighbour got married last year and although she had been divorced, she used her maiden name. She told the Registrar that she didn't want her previous married name on the certificate, and they used her maiden name. As vic says just ask!