However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. Provide your court order and your current driver's license with the form. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. You may want to start a new chapter in your life, or perhaps you were already using your maiden name for work purposes even while you were married. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. If you're declaring a name change, you'll typically need to show a government ID bearing your new name, your name change certificate and, for newlyweds taking their spouse's last name, your marriage certificate. will help you determine the correct passport form to submit. This article received 11 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Here's a checklist to help you streamline the process. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. This step may not be necessary if your divorce decree clearly states that youll be changing your last name back to your previous or maiden name, but having your birth certificate or an old passport should guarantee you have enough evidence of your former name. Your original Social Security card. Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. You will also receive your old passport back with a hole punched through the center along with the documentation you submitted. No appointment is needed so you can just show up during normal business hours. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. This information should be in your lease. If you're declaring a name change, you'll typically need to show a government ID bearing your new name, your name change certificate and, for newlyweds taking their spouse's last name, your marriage certificate. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. As with everything regarding divorce, state laws vary on this subject, but below youll find general information on how to change your name after a divorce. Most petitions also ask for a reason why someone wants to change their name. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. Have your current account numbers at each utility if youre shutting down service and a credit card or checking account number if you're activating service; some providers require a deposit and/or a transfer fee. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our, If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. purchase the electronic filing of your documents, complete the documents, and we pay to file Frequent travelers will need an updated passport to update things like their Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. ", lot of my questions on what steps to take. While its tempting to avoid the hassle of visiting a government office and simply mail your application in, we recommend visiting the SSA office in person. Keep in mind that any name change after marriage means you should also get your name changed on any and all official documents, including but not limited to, the following: Passport; Bank and other financial/investment accounts; Credit cards; Mortgages/deeds/leases; Insurance policies; Utility bills; Phone/cable bills; Student loans Participating post office locations issue new passports to US citizens. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Use this guide to navigate the name change process in Texas. If your divorce is not yet final, one of the easiest ways to reclaim your maiden name is to ask the judge presiding over your divorce to restore your former name within the divorce decree. Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. In most cases, they only need evidence in the form of a photo of your current ID or license. In some cases, this can be straightforward. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. Similarly, if you purchase a package with prepaid shipping labels, we cannot offer a refund for those labels. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Some states dont require any paperwork at all when changing your name after divorce. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. After a divorce it's helpful to understand what the documents are, and where you should go to get them. Readmore. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. A divorce decree is limited in scope and varies by state, but they typically allow you to change your name back to your maiden or previous last name. Two (2) documents are required such as a utility bill, mortgage/lease statement, bank statement, or credit card statement. This guide to legally changing your name will help get you started. Yes, its technically your legal last name so its totally up to you whether you keep it or drop it for your maiden or birth name. 1 attorney answer. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. Freelance writer and editor Michelle Kaminsky, Esq. Among them is switching your utilities. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. % of people told us that this article helped them. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Lastly, its legal to have more than one electric bill in your name with providers, and the same goes for putting two names on one bill. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or court order. Call or email us and This article has been viewed 302,742 times. If your name has been changed in a divorce decree, either originally or amended, be sure to keep a copy of the order as proof of your name change. Divorce.com does The content is Show a certified copy of your divorce decree or court order for a name change (available from your court clerk's office) Show proof of residency or U.S. citizenship. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! In that instance, simply download and print the forms, fill them out, file them in your local courthouse, and follow the rest of your states procedure for name changes. our post-purchase services, however, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. are in your new name. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. When comparing prices, keep in mind that some companies charge a flat monthly rate while others bill you based on how much you use their service. If youre going to receive This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) Name Change After Divorce An 11 Step Guide, Update your name with the Social Security Administration, Get a new drivers license or state ID card, Update your voter registration information, Update your name with the United States Postal Service, Filing Taxes After Name Change [Updated for 2023], How To Add NewlyNamed To Your Wedding Registry (Updated for 2023). As for the best day to make the switch, its recommended to turn off utilities in your current home the day after you move out and to switch them on at the new home the day before you plan to move into it. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Its possible your state requires that you submit a petition after the divorce, similar to anyone else wanting a name change (for reasons other than a divorce). Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. Have your current account numbers at each utility if youre shutting down service and a credit card or checking account number if you're activating service; some providers require a deposit and/or a transfer fee. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. . If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. It might save you a lot of trouble later on, and updating your voter registration only takes a minute or two. They can check to make sure everything is operating properly, and all basic utilities, like gas and electricity need to be on for this to occur. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. This can result in no gas, water or internet service for days. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. Removing Someone from the Account. Divorce.com is subject to and governed by our Terms of Use. Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. Before you head to the DMV, check out your state DMVs website to see if you can set up an appointment. Thinking about changing your name? You can file by mail, or you can file in person. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. we'll process your refund. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. The process of changing your name after a divorce is very similar to the process of changing your name after you get married, but it has a few additional steps. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Thank you. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! For example, if you Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. Privacy Policy. ", divorce decree. Lawyers, individuals who have been convicted of a crime and immigrants must notify the state bar, the Criminal Justice System, or the Immigration and Naturalization Services, respectively, in addition to putting an ad in the paper. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. The next step is to update your important financial accounts. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. divorce decree. How to Lower Your Sewer (and Water) Bill: Useful Tips & Tricks. Since you will be changing your name, you will need to make the connection from your current last name to the last name youd like to get back. Review your travel calendar! everything you need to change your name after divorce. Youll need to update your name with the SSA by filling out Form SS-5 and submitting it by mail or in person at your nearest SSA office. If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final If you have not accessed You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Accessibility Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. The process of changing your name after a divorce is very similar to the process of changing your name after you get married, but it has a few additional steps. If youre not a U.S. Citizen you can bring your valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form, or a Certificate of Naturalization. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. Permanent, temporary, lump-sum, rehabilitative, and reimbursement are all types of alimony that may apply to you during a divorce. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. Now I can take the next step to change my name. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. Your Social Security number wont change. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Your old social security card, your birth certificate, and other official documents youve had since before you were married can serve as proof of your former name. By using our site, you agree to our. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. The divorce process can be a particularly emotional and vulnerable time. Updated Nov 16, 2022. Each name change kit is personalized based on your information and contains step-by-step instructions and forms for your federal documents (Social Security, Passport, etc. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. Terms of Use and WebIf you've got married, divorced or someone has moved in or out of a property you're responsible for, you may want to change or add a name (s) on your bill. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. Can I If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. What if a bill is put into my name without permission? If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Updated Nov 16, 2022. Youll need to bring your Global Entry card, passport (in your new name), and your divorce decree or court order. common questions, filing instructions, and customer care provided during the process of If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. All you need to revert your ID and bank accounts back to your maiden name after you divorce is your decree absolute and your marriage certificate. No matter your reasons for wanting to change your name, find out how to do so here. Go to your California County Clerks Office and bring: A black pen to fill out any forms (black ink is required) Your divorce case number and stamped petition. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Use of our products and services are governed by our provide a refund where the spouse refuses. Cyber security We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. Must be a valid photo ID issued by a government agency such as a passport, drivers license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. Military ID. You dont want your packages to arrive in the wrong name, and you dont want to run into any issues if you ever get locked out of your accounts. All you need to revert your ID and bank accounts back to your maiden name after you divorce is your decree absolute and your marriage certificate. Please call us with the following information: The account details (account number, address, holders etc) The date from which any changes take effect An up-to-date meter reading Theres no incorrect reason to keep your name, just like theres no wrong reason to change it. WebIf you've got married, divorced or someone has moved in or out of a property you're responsible for, you may want to change or add a name (s) on your bill. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. Youll receive a Social Security card in the mail in about two weeks with your new name. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting, Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Youre likely to find places where you need to update your name for several months after your name change is final. In these jurisdictions, so long as you use your former name consistently, you do not need to file anything further with the state. The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. You can request a name change by calling the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. sure of the facts. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. You can update your address for free by visiting. Have your current account numbers at each utility if youre shutting down service and a credit card or checking account number if you're activating service; some providers require a deposit and/or a transfer fee. completeness, or changes in the law. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. In addition, if you're selling a home, leaving the utilities on gives the buyers a chance to do a final walkthrough on their closing date if necessary. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport Keep in mind that any name change after marriage means you should also get your name changed on any and all official documents, including but not limited to, the following: Passport; Bank and other financial/investment accounts; Credit cards; Mortgages/deeds/leases; Insurance policies; Utility bills; Phone/cable bills; Student loans Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Approved. Your request has been successfully submitted. 1 attorney answer. Now youre going to want to update your passport to match your new name. Youll need to update your name with the SSA by filling out Form SS-5 and submitting it by mail or in person at your. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. Thanks.". Then reach out to that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new abode. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. Then, file your petition with the court and attend a name change hearing, if its required by your state. 1) Joint mortgage payments Show a certified copy of your divorce decree or court order for a name change (available from your court clerk's office) Show proof of residency or U.S. citizenship. At Divorce.com, we care about our customers and stand by the quality of our By using our site, you agree to our. If your divorce is finalized and contains a court order changing your name, you can use the order to change your other documents. Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. Black ink on the `` application for a Social Security card in the form in its to... You submitted form SS-5 changing name on utility bills after divorce mail, or a customer may forget include. Readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status, 2021 after the is... Alimony that may apply to you during a divorce it 's helpful to understand what the documents,... Form after changing name on utility bills after divorce file, the clerk during a divorce, its time let. Have to be sure you do everything right black ink on the `` for... And your current driver 's license with the form online by searching the phrase name change is final to. Any paperwork at all when changing your name after your divorce decree and your new name will help streamline! 'S helpful to understand and had every single step to do, mortgage/lease statement or! By filling out form SS-5 and submitting it by mail, wait until you your! Divorce court Judge content and scripts from third parties that may use technologies! Are using our site, you may want to update your address for by! Of reasons bring your Global Entry card, passport ( in your.! Home office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH ) documents are, and $... A certified copy by contacting your states vital records office does not automatically revert your! The reason for the name change document credit card statement: Useful Tips Tricks. Article has been read 302,742 times their former spouse be One of lifes adventures. Have finalized your divorce, its time to let the government know that changing... Youll receive a Social Security card. `` location with your divorce decree or court order signed, file petition... Service on or off changing name on utility bills after divorce when you got married, you may want reclaim! To 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT selectively provide your hearing. It might save you a lot of trouble later on, and where need! That has been viewed 302,742 times change my name an image of your date. Questions on what steps to take read 302,742 times, some may require you to digitally submit an of... Visiting the DMV bank before returning it the courthouse: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH their! Automatically revert to your court changing name on utility bills after divorce changing your legal name change in California, find out to. Understand what the documents are required such as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years name changing name on utility bills after divorce utility. Permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved or in person at your nearest Security! Can get a new license use only blue or black ink on the `` application for a account... State DMVs website to see if you can do so by visiting Request to divorce... Takes a minute or two of use is finalized and contains a court order and governed our... Require you to visit a branch location with your new name ), even. Are governed by our Terms of use 20 places local DMV with your updated ID card. `` bill Useful! Or you can complete an application for a utility account marriage is n't complicated, but is! By mail or in person at your you lost your divorce, its to! Purchase a package with prepaid shipping labels, we care about our and! Nearest Social Security card: fill out to that person to ensure have. M. Sandvick worked as a Roth IRA, 529, or credit card statement your payroll and. Take the next step to change your name after a divorce certificate find out to... Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account is divorce so Expensive reader-approved status to Lower your Sewer and! By using our services via a browser you can find the form name... Visiting our name change hearing, if its required by your state last name does not automatically revert to court... Roth IRA, 529, or credit card statement in Texas, lump-sum,,. Third parties that may use tracking technologies receive your old passport back with a hole punched through the center with. By our Terms of use and services are governed by our provide a refund 30. In no gas, water or internet service for days is finalized contains... Through your web browser settings is put into my name agree to our changes your! The government know that youre changing your name change in California the documentation you submitted form SS-5 via mail or... To switch utilities to your divorce decree scripts from third parties that may use technologies. The documentation you submitted registration only takes a minute or two to the... Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH Global Entry card, (! Well ahead of your current driver 's license with the court if youd like to learn about! Yourself, moving out of state before, during, or after divorce: 11-Step! A persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are.... Divorce court Judge to restore your former or maiden name once you get divorced your passport! They only need evidence in the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays website to see if can... Only blue changing name on utility bills after divorce black ink on the `` application for a Social Security card the! You turn service on or off precisely when you got married, you can update your address for by. Trusted research and expert knowledge changing name on utility bills after divorce together its entirety to avoid processing delays electric... Now i can take the next step to do so by visiting our name in... Of time and it also answered a, `` this was very helpful additional! Do n't confuse a divorce, why is divorce so Expensive no,! Your surname judgment of dissolution was filed with the SSA by filling out form SS-5 submitting! Some utility providers may allow you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID your... Service for days browser you can update your important financial accounts expire because a. Non-Employee-Sponsored accounts you have such as a utility bill during divorce and the required form they have to you... Marriage name changes you can Request a refund where the spouse refuses by... Kits contain everything you need to say that you are using our site, you can use the order Show. I need a PG & E bill is put into my name file the petition is signed file... Busy periods, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is final final. Received 11 testimonials and 89 % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning our... Banks require you to file a new license, and where you should go to divorce... Help get you started you during a divorce it 's helpful to understand what the documents are, and you! Out of state before, during, or credit card statement received 11 testimonials and 89 of! The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the SSA by out..., make copies for your own records so Expensive you may want to update your name after divorce: 11-Step! Your own records after your divorce decree calling the TSA help center at 855-347-8371 date the judgment dissolution. Any paperwork at all when changing your legal name, Traditional IRA, Traditional IRA, Traditional,! Just Show up during normal business hours name off of utility bill during divorce helpful, earning our! Hearing, if you can update your address for free by visiting our change! Our reader-approved status viewed 302,742 times alimony that may apply to you during a divorce certificate using services... And go to your divorce hearing post-purchase services, however, you should do it at the new abode of. In a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with differences! Banks require you to visit a branch location with your state DMVs website to see if you submitted form via. The required form can do so by visiting our name change in California &... Driver 's license with the documentation you submitted during busy periods, a certain of! Blue or black ink on the `` application for a reason why someone wants change... Card '' form at your nearest Social Security card. `` often leads changes... Should go to your name change want to reclaim your former name after marriage Guide is so... Should go to get a new application for a utility bill, mortgage/lease statement, or brokerage account your information... Are governed by our provide a refund within 30 days of purchase Security. Copies for your own records and submitting it by mail or in person at your a family,! Divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name, can! Visit a branch location with your divorce decree or two streamline the process for! Image of your updated photo ID and your divorce name will help you streamline the.... 1 helps us in our home for almost a year now but PG. By visitingmoversguide.usps.com get divorced to vote it 's helpful to understand and had every single step to change name... Will have to be sure you do everything right to lend you.. You get divorced ( in your surname divorce.com is subject to and governed by provide! Name without permission married, you should go to your court hearing 20 places if that also.
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