So we think its best to play it safe. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. Your original Social Security card. You dont want to walk around without an ID or a valid license for the length of time it takes the SSA to process your documents. 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. Expenses such as: Are you dreading changing your name again and want to make it as painless as possible? WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. 1) When you break up with someone whom you live with, be sure to have a dialogue about bills and whose name is attached to what so you dont end up in a $nafu. When youre deactivating a utility, give the company an address where you can receive your final bill if you don't use online bill-pay services. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. Note: TSA has been inconsistent with name changes so be patient. Changing your name after divorce. If they issue the card in the office, you need to wait at least 48 hours for the system to update before the DMV can verify your new social security card. That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. Updated Nov 16, 2022. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed on this page are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. Callyour local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. As long as your name is correct with the government and the financial institutions you work with, the small things you may forget (like your online shopping accounts) are unlikely to cause any serious issues. 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. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. 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. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase 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. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? We will call you back as you requested. 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. Your credit card companies will issue you a new card with your current name. As you know from your previous name change, its a serious undertaking. 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. There are several ways to do a name change. 1) Joint mortgage payments Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. 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. Sitemap We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. The easiest way to change your name after a divorce is by including a name change request form with your divorce petition, so the divorce and the name change take effect at the same time. By Divorce.com staff "I represented myself in my divorce and did not attend any of the workshops available to me because of the distance, "I researched the name change process after filing for a divorce. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-5504 which can be found at, If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-82 which is available at. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. If you fail to transfer the utility, the person named on the original bill remains liable for future payments. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. If you have not accessed not sell blank forms. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. If youre considering getting a divorce, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce, which is usually easier and faster. Removing Someone from the Account. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. Any non-employee-sponsored insurance policies that you have such as Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability, Business, etc. Removing Someone from the Account. The goal is to turn off utilities, including gas, electric and water at your current residence shortly after closing the sale and/or departing the premises. Your request has been successfully submitted. You can't. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, remember to update Global Entry first! Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. The statements and opinions are the expression of the author, All of the above assumes that you would like to revert to using your former name after divorce. Your access to with a court, we cannot refund the fees to you. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. Prove your age and identity. If your passport has been expired for >5 years or youd like to apply for your first passport, youll need to complete Form DS-11. 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. In these jurisdictions, so long as you use your former name consistently, you do not need to file anything further with the state. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. Keep in mind that in some states you may be required to pay a small fee to get a new license. See banking services provided by Axos Bank , See banking services provided by Axos Bank. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 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. Changing your name after divorce. California Privacy Rights Act 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. The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. If the timing of your name change disrupts a pay period or cannot be processed in time for you to get paid on the proper date, ask your employer to write you out a paper check instead of processing your direct deposit. Removing Someone from the Account. How do I transfer a utility bill to another name? 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. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. 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. Privacy Policy. 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. 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. Divorce Services WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. References. If they cant, you can use money orders or cashiers checks until they do. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! ", http://www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf, https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504.pdf, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html, http://family.findlaw.com/divorce/changing-your-name-after-divorce.html. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. . Updated Nov 16, 2022. Can I WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. Important:Review your travel calendar! 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. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. We recommend applying for a REAL ID. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. If you attempt to make a purchase, it may be incorrectly flagged as fraud or theft. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Most Enrollment Centers are in airports, so we suggest arriving a few hours early to your next flight so you can make the update without having to make two trips. The content is WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. It may be an important part of the healing process following a divorce. Thank you.   , Help Center 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, Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Save time and frustration with NewlyNamed! Once my divorce was finalized, I found method two most helpful. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Application for Social Security Card | SSA, Passport Application & Passport Renewal | USPS, How to Negotiate a Divorce Settlement With Your Spouse, Moving After Divorce: A Comprehensive Checklist, What Is a Divorce Deposition? booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. completeness, or changes in the law. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Before you head to the DMV, check out your state DMVs website to see if you can set up an appointment. Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. This way theres zero chance of you losing your drivers license, passport, birth certificate, divorce decree, or other very important personal documents in the mail. form SS-5 and file it with the SSA. The combination of your new social security card and your license serves as proof of your legal name change. Updated Nov 16, 2022. 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). If you use both, updating your Global Entry information will also change your PreCheck status; you dont need to update them separately. http://tenantsunion.org/en/rights/utility-best-practices, http://dept.clcillinois.edu/cie/Currentstudents/UtlitliesInformationComEdandComcast.pdf, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0220-utility-services, https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-transfer-utility-services-when-you-move/, https://www.dummies.com/personal-finance/real-estate/how-to-set-up-utilities-in-a-new-home/. If you're buying a home, you should be able to get the information from your real estate agent. not legal advice. You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. Best of luck with your name change after divorce! has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. through the United States Postal Service. If youre currently a passport holder, the instructions for updating your passport will vary depending on the type of passport you have and how long youve held the passport. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Among the many services your insurance agent may provide is assistance when relocating. everything you need to change your name after divorce. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. Youll receive a Social Security card in the mail in about two weeks with your new name. ", lot of my questions on what steps to take. 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. 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. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Prove your age and identity. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg\/aid9787411-v4-728px-Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"