Death Certificate Mystery

[pinkwindsor]

I've just ordered a Death Certificate for my Dad's first wife and I remember being told that she had died in a mental home in Slough 1982.

Anyway, on her Death Certificate, it says that a 'Dead Body found on 31st March 1982' by someone 'Causing the body to be cremated' (This could be someone attached to Social Services i.e. Mental Services) but the mystery to me is that it states her married name and not maiden name (I was told that they had divorced) I though legally the Death Certificate has to state the Maiden name?

I need to know that my Dad was officially divorced before re-marrying and having me!   

 How do I go about this? Hope that makes sense! 

[Huckleberry]

The informant can only give what information they know to the registrar - maybe "they" did not know.

[pinkwindsor]

I guess that my Dad wouldn't have been able to marry again in 1968 without proof of divorce anyway....maybe his first wife stuck to her 'Married' name as she was 'Ill'

[Huckleberry]

You could apply to see if your dad was given a Decree Absolute - it cost £40 just for the date and confirmation that they were divorced.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/divorce.htm

Form D440

[ambers]

Not sure if this helps

All the divorced people I know  still use their married name as this remains their legal name even after a divorce.

Ambers

[pinkwindsor]

So it's not a legal requirement to state your married name on a death certificate then?

[Nick29]

In the UK, you can legally use whatever name you like, as long as you have not used the name with intent to deceive or with criminal intent.

[andycand]

Hi

Do you have both of your dads marriage certificates? If so, does your dads second marriage certificate say he is divorced?

As far as the surname used by a divorcee, that is up to the person. Some do change back to their maiden name but many others keep their married name. It is entirely up to the woman.

Andy

[pinkwindsor]

No, I don't have my Dad's marriage certificate but I'll order one today....why didn't I think of that