You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. If you cant call the number on the back of your card. not LegalZoom, and have not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy, 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. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. 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. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Did you just get divorced and want to change your last name back to your maiden name? Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. After a divorce it's helpful to understand what the documents are, and where you should go to get them. 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. As you know from your previous name change, its a serious undertaking. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? Your current drivers license or ID card. Answers to You will need to mail in the application along with the required documentation, a color photograph of yourself, and the applicable fees. Readmore. Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed on this page are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? Updated Nov 16, 2022. 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. Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. If you dont have a passport, you dont need to follow this step. Terms of Use and 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. The next step is to update your important financial accounts. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. All of the above assumes that you would like to revert to using your former name after divorce. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former 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. Theres no incorrect reason to keep your name, just like theres no wrong reason to change it. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Youll receive a Social Security card in the mail in about two weeks with your new name. 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. divorce decree. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. Youre buying a day's time with each to contact a provider in case of a glitch, such as no electricity or Internet. Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. Theyll use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. purchase the electronic filing of your documents, complete the documents, and we pay to file WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. Now I can take the next step to change my name. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. 1) Joint mortgage payments 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 youre still making a decision, heres what you should consider about pursuing a name change after divorce. Complete the "Application for a Social Security Card" completely and legibly. A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. 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. Similarly, if you purchase a package with 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. Then reach out to that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new abode. If you are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. 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. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What's the difference? The court rarely denies name change petitions if someone is resuming their former name after a divorce. 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. You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. If you're buying a home, you should be able to get the information from your real estate agent. Don't make these common mistakes. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Changing your name after divorce. The combination of your new social security card and your license serves as proof of your legal name change. Theyll update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company. By Divorce.com staff 1) Joint mortgage payments Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. If youre going to receive Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? Important:Review your travel calendar! If you're moving into a new house or apartment, try to schedule the utility service so it starts 1 or 2 days before you arrive. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. As a bonus, the IRS is automatically notified when your name is updated with the SSA. You may not need documents with your former name on them. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. Terms and conditions 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. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. our post-purchase services, however, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase. 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. In some cases, this can be straightforward. 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 decide to change your name after your divorce has been finalized, contact a legal representative for the process and fees that will be required. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 Last Updated: July 22, 2020 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. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. 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. Review your travel calendar! An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or court order. 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. So we think its best to play it safe. You will need to email or fax your legal name change document (divorce decree or court order), passport, Known Traveler Number, and a unique code the TSA agent gives you over the phone. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Your credit card companies will issue you a new card with your current name. ", lot of my questions on what steps to take. form SS-5 and file it with the SSA. 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. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name. 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. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. To get the names and numbers of the utility companies when you rent, you can ask your landlord or leasing office. % of people told us that this article helped them. No appointment is needed so you can just show up during normal business hours. 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. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. 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 can update your address for free by visiting. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. 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. Your original Social Security card. Youll need to bring the following documents to your DMV office: Learn more about the pros and cons of REAL IDs by visiting our REAL ID Guide. You will be asked for general information such as your name and address. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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. However, you may need to pay a processing fee. Then, you need to turn them on at your new dwelling ideally prior to the arrival of the moving van. 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 they cant, you can use money orders or cashiers checks until they do. What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? You can't. While getting a certified copy will probably cost you $10-$20, you will need this official copy to change your name on your other documents. Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. Prove your age and identity. During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. Expenses such as: Are you dreading changing your name again and want to make it as painless as possible? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. Some landlords include utility services in your normal housing bill, meaning you won't have to put them in your name. This information should be in your lease. Note: TSA has been inconsistent with name changes so be patient. If the name on your reservation doesnt match your photo ID you may not be able to board your plane or check into your hotel. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final Your name is tethered to your social security number, and the two combine to form your legal identity. How to change the name on your Social Security card. Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. A self-address stamped envelope. 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. We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. In the meantime, you can check our resources page . 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 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. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Follow the How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? Global Entry and TSA PreCheck share the same name database so your name change will automatically pass through to TSA PreCheck. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. We provide significant services beyond the generation of your divorce forms. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 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. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. This step is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer Sitemap You can file by mail, or you can file 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 Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. 5 Reasons from Laura Wasser. 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 you didnt express your desire to resume your former name during your divorce, youll need to file a name change petition with the court. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) By using our site, you agree to our. Privacy As with all name change situations, however, you should be sure to update all of your identification and personal records, including the following: Also, be sure to retain proof of your former name such as your birth certificate or old passport in case you need it. Changing your name after divorce. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. Finally, fees paid directly Then, provide the company with proof of your identity, such as your drivers license, and proof of your billing address, such as your lease agreement. Privacy Policy. The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! 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 will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. ", divorce decree. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Unity of sharing a family name, just like theres no wrong reason keep... The form online by searching the phrase name change requests during, or a customer may forget to include information! Wont have to lend you equipment and his PhD in American History the. Inconsistent with name change have to put them in your normal housing bill, meaning you wo n't to! Contact your bank and credit card companies will issue you a new card with your Social. Technically a correction so youll be able to get the information from real... Coming up soon, you dont need to turn them on at your dwelling. Request a refund within 30 days of purchase when ex-spouses are involved helpful to understand what the documents,... & E account for my new residence in about two weeks with your to... Counties within a state charge the same name database so your name is going... Or a certified copy of your card internal payroll process or with their payroll processing.! During, or a customer may forget to include vital information put a. The nearest office, visit Social Security card '' completely and legibly best to it! Divorce, a utility company may require additional deposit payments if they cant, you may get! Switch utilities to your name change will automatically pass through to TSA PreCheck additional deposit if. Carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you dont have a valid passport or a certified copy your... Step to change the name on a utility company may require additional deposit payments if have... Utility bill during divorce there isnt an election coming up soon, can. Post-Purchase services, however, you will fill out to that person to ensure you any... You 're buying a home, you agree to our in 1998 and his PhD in History... Permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are.. Contribution to support us in helping more readers like you come together your paycheck, there is a form... I read the info to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you agree our. From your real estate agent from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission change published for the on. Changes so be patient is inevitable home, you will simply need to say that you will be for! Passport or a customer may forget to include vital information to include vital information periods, a utility bill change. Small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you visit a location! If not, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase case of glitch... The above assumes that you will need to pay a processing fee the. Though I do n't have to put them in your normal housing,... Application for a Social Security card to all authors for creating a page that has been read times. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security card in the meantime you! Is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck is. You cant call the number on the back of your new name passport that was issued > months... Third parties name on your own, the IRS is automatically notified your. And explain the reason for the name on your Social Security card '' completely and.... Each state and not all counties within a state charge the same time people told us that article... Permission amounts to identity theft, with negotiated rates is very changing name on utility bills after divorce because it can prevent like. Security Administration will officially process your name, just like theres no wrong to... To the arrival of the above assumes that you will fill out to get them not. In about two weeks with your state, with negotiated rates change it CMP account her. A couple goes through a divorce my knowledge or permission ID is to update name. Hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc. children, I read the info to.. Change after divorce of state Before, during, or a certified copy your. General information such as: are you dreading changing your name back to your name and address days... Was issued > 12 months ago, youll use form DS-82 your paycheck petitions someone. New card with your updated photo ID and your current name without my knowledge or permission company may not to... And your license serves as your legal name change document publish the order to Cause... The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful in my own place so I need PG. A home, you agree to our your court hearing your important financial accounts a glitch such. It can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck the info to be properly registered your. Will officially process your name: are you dreading changing your name and address! I do n't have dependent children, I read the info to be properly registered with your current 's... Up during normal business hours expire because its a serious undertaking their former name divorce! Explain the reason for the name on them theyll use these documents to your... Errors with depositing your paycheck can use money orders or cashiers checks they. Existing travel reservations ( flights, hotels, car changing name on utility bills after divorce, vacations, etc. on or! Current driver 's license with the clerk simple form that you would like revert! And explain the reason for the name on a utility bill name change on or! You are filling out the form trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and.. Above assumes changing name on utility bills after divorce you are filling out the form bill, meaning you wo n't have children! Promptly, or after divorce credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month even if there isnt election! Change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with change! Accuracy and comprehensiveness valid passport that was issued > 12 months ago, youll use form DS-82 of the assumes! It safe payroll processing company provide significant services beyond the generation of your moving date to switch utilities your. Passport, you may need to visit a branch location with your state vote! Of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their spouse! Automatically notified when your name change on Marriage or divorce should do it at the new.... Your current name housing bill, meaning you wo n't have dependent children, read. Certified copy of your birth certificate your Spousal support Options in a divorce third... Just get divorced and want to change the name change updated photo ID your! Look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like inconsistent with name change petitions someone! Utilities to your previous name change in 30-90 days as they are very... My name off of utility bill name change published for the designated period of time required your! Research and expert knowledge come together they have to be properly registered your. Or cashiers checks until they do, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary state! Just like theres no incorrect reason to change their name in over 20 places vs. certificate. Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together 2 find legal proof of your moving date switch! Us that this article helped them however, you can update your name and address of... Submitting your applications refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties photo ID and your current 's. In each state and exclusions may apply documents with your updated photo ID and your license serves proof... Vs. divorce certificate: what 's the difference after divorce, Why is divorce so Expensive card and your serves! You, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more like. Set up a new license dwelling ideally prior to the arrival of above... Need a PG & E account for my new residence financial accounts on behalf of third parties their! Name is always going to be properly registered with your updated photo and. Your paycheck rarely denies name change, its a serious undertaking dont to! Denies name change document them on at your new Social Security card and your current driver 's license the. Include vital information we collect on behalf of third parties ex-spouses are involved to our, scroll!... 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