Former Wife of an Earl
If a marriage between an earl and countess has been dissolved, the former wife (although no longer a peeress) may continue to use her title as an earl's wife, preceded by her forename (unless she remarries*).
How to address the Former Wife of an Earl
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Lady Aldford |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | Emily, Countess of Aldford |
| Verbal communication | Lady Aldford |
| Invitation | Emily, Lady Aldford |
| Description in conversation | Lady Aldford |
| List of Directors or Patrons | Emily, Countess of Aldford |
| Place card | Emily, Countess of Aldford |
| Legal document | Emily, Countess of Aldford |
*If the former wife of an earl subsequently remarries she adopts her style of address from her present husband. Thus if Emily, Countess of Aldford, marries Mr James Harte she becomes Mrs James Harte.
Former Wife of an Earl by Courtesy
She is styled as the former wife of an earl.
