Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Some companies may require additional documents as well to verify your credit history or employment status. Some parents find that its easier to maintain the same last name as their children. Here's a checklist to help you streamline the process. If you are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. 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. Are You Eligible for No-Fault Divorce: A Checklist, School/work, including payroll and retirement plans, State tax authority (IRS is notified automatically through the SSA). Some states dont require any paperwork at all when changing your name after divorce. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. Expect to receive your new Social Security card in 7 to 14 days. US Department of States specific instructions for your situation. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. California Privacy Rights Act Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. Updated Nov 16, 2022. 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 Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. % of people told us that this article helped them. Your bank may be able to issue you a temporary debit card while theyre processing your request for a new debit card with your name on it. A self-address stamped envelope. Utility companies typically require a written application from the new party before such a switch would be made. Change your name online Changing your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your state requires a petition filed with the court. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Then, you need to turn them on at your new dwelling ideally prior to the arrival of the moving van. 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. Privacy Policy, but are not covered by the attorney-client privilege. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. If youre divorced and your divorce decree doesnt allow you to change your name, then the only other way to get your maiden name back would be to petition for a court-ordered name change. Then reach out to that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new abode. We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Learn more about changing your name with the SSA by visiting our Social Security Name Change Guide. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. The content is Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. with a court, we cannot refund the fees to you. For some, changing their last name back is an act of reclaiming their identity after a negative experience. 1 attorney answer. She earned a Juris Docto Your name is an established part of your brand, and if you change your name, it may hurt your brand recognition. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. The most affordable way to get it done right. It may be an important part of the healing process following a divorce. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. 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. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. Theyll use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. 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 have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. For example, if you 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. Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. If you havent already, make sure you update your name with online shopping services and streaming services. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. During your divorce, youll be asked if youd like to resume your former name when the divorce is finalized. Readmore. For this reason, we 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. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 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 you didnt express your desire to resume your former name during your divorce, youll need to file a name change petition with the court. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. 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 You may also select it as an option on your official WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree.   , US Department of States specific instructions for your situation, Proof of address (like official mail in your name with your residential address on it), A certified or original copy of your divorce decree, Proof of United States citizenship (like a passport or certified birth certificate). You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. In some cases, this can be straightforward. In most cases, they only need evidence in the form of a photo of your current ID or license. We put together this guide to help guide you through your name change after divorce. Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. Your original Social Security card. Changing your name can be a lengthy process. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. In some cases, the landlord or condo homeowners association may provide and pay for a particular utility, such as waste removal. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. If you dont have a passport, you dont need to follow this step. If you use checks, your bank may be able to print you a sheet of checks to use until your new checks arrive in the mail. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. common questions, filing instructions, and customer care provided during the process of Theyll update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. 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. Thanks.". After a divorce it's helpful to understand what the documents are, and where you should go to get them. 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. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. However, it is important to remember that any debts accumulated as a result of late repayments will reduce the overall matrimonial pot, and will potentially reduce the share available to both spouses. 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 Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Most can be done over the phone after verifying your identity or via mail. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. we'll process your refund. Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online . After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. So we think its best to play it safe. The judge will then include an order in the decree changing your name, and you can go back to using your former name immediately without any further court intervention. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. Most petitions also ask for a reason why someone wants to change their name. "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. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Youre buying a day's time with each to contact a provider in case of a glitch, such as no electricity or Internet. They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. Privacy Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. Did you just get divorced and want to change your last name back to your maiden name? WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Updated Nov 16, 2022. ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). You can update your address for free by visiting. 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. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. Prove your age and identity. 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. 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. If youd like your passport update to be processed faster, you can pay a $60 expedition fee and youll receive your passport in 2-3 weeks. 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. 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. Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What's the difference? "All of the information is useful and concise. All of the above assumes that you would like to revert to using your former name after divorce. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. 1 attorney answer. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. 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. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. At the same time, contact your current insurance agent to stop coverage at your previous home before the new renter or owner occupies it. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Theyll need a certified copy of your divorce decree, your passport or drivers license, your original security social security card, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. Now youre going to want to update your passport to match your new name. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. It will allow you to go back to your former/maiden name and youll use it throughout the entire name change after divorce process. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. What if a bill is put into my name without permission? This article has been viewed 299,113 times. Thank you. 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. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer 2min read. The statements and opinions are the expression of the author, Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. 1 attorney answer. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. I would suggest that before you change anything, especially such things as deeds and mortgages, you should speak with a divorce attorney in your area. 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.   , Help Center Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. Its probably not a wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you. Removing Someone from the Account. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. This information should be in your lease. Your request has been successfully submitted. Youll need to provide the following documents: If youre not a U.S. citizen, visit this link will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. Now I can take the next step to change my name. Follow the WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Approved. 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. This form wizardwill help you determine the correct passport form to submit. How much money does it cost to change a name? If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, remember to update Global Entry first! % of people told us that this article helped them. Your access to If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. alimony payments or child support payments in your new name, its important to have the information updated with your bank as soon as possible. It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. 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. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. 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. Readmore, Our full-spectrum online divorce platform provides simpler, faster, more peaceful optionsempowering our customers to chart their own destinies and seek modern solutions that avoid the pitfalls of an outdated system. 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. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. This article has been viewed 302,742 times. However, it is important to remember that any debts accumulated as a result of late repayments will reduce the overall matrimonial pot, and will potentially reduce the share available to both spouses. Don't make these common mistakes. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Changing your name after divorce. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. Removing Someone from the Account. Changing your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your state requires a petition filed with the court. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. 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. 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. It may be preferable to file in person. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. No matter your reasons for wanting to change your name, find out how to do so here. A valid passport or your birth certificate. Prove your age and identity. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. divorce paperwork. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearest. {"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":"