They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. Your access to At the same time, contact your current insurance agent to stop coverage at your previous home before the new renter or owner occupies it. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Any non-employee-sponsored insurance policies that you have such as Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability, Business, etc. Attorneys with you, every step of the way. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. not sell blank forms. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. 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. 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. 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 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. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. Our network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Your updated passport will arrive in 6-8 weeks so plan accordingly. You need to update your name with the SSA before you update it anywhere else. Permanent, temporary, lump-sum, rehabilitative, and reimbursement are all types of alimony that may apply to you during a divorce. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? 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. A self-address stamped envelope. 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. 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 want to change to an entirely new last name or to a new name altogether, different provisions are likely to apply to your situation; you may have to file a formal name change petition with the court, for instance. The content is Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. So we think its best to play it safe. 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. Important:Review your travel calendar! Plan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. 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. 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. Some parents find that its easier to maintain the same last name as their children. This step is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Complete the "Application for a Social Security Card" completely and legibly. 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. 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. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. In addition, we cannot guarantee that a customer's spouse will sign the documents and cannot Last Updated: July 22, 2020 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. 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. What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. 2min read. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. If youre still making a decision, heres what you should consider about pursuing a name change after divorce. You can start a court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. This article has been viewed 302,742 times. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. 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 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. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed on this page are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. Your credit card companies will issue you a new card with your current name. This article received 11 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Review your travel calendar! 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 An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or court order. Approved. If your divorce is already final, some states allow you to ask the court to amend the decree to include language changing your last name. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Its relatively easy to update your name with the power company or your cell phone service provider. No matter your reasons for wanting to change your name, find out how to do so here. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. Your current drivers license or ID card. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. Your original Social Security card. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. In some cases, this can be straightforward. 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. 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. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? Must contain your full name and address. are in your new name. Thank you. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. 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. The advice on pro bono representation is a great relief to me, and I'm sure for others as well, who also need aid. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. we'll process your refund. In the meantime, you can check our resources page . You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. 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. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. sure of the facts. 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. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. If youve worked professionally under your married name, it may also be wise to maintain your current name. It might save you a lot of trouble later on, and updating your voter registration only takes a minute or two. care center, unless theres a flaw in our underlying documents. The court rarely denies name change petitions if someone is resuming their former name after a divorce. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc. 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. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. 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 you're buying a home, you should be able to get the information from your real estate agent. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). common questions, filing instructions, and customer care provided during the process of Try changing your name online. Read more. Note that this may be unnecessary paperwork, however, as explained more fully below, so be sure your state requires this before going down this road. You will not be issued a new Global Entry card. We are not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. 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. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Changing your name after divorce. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the However, you may need to pay a processing fee. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. It may be preferable to file in person. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. If you waited 48 hours after changing your name with the SSA, you can bring your old Social Security card and a copy of the receipt the SSA gave you verifying your name change. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. Finally, fees paid directly For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Expect to receive your new Social Security card in 7 to 14 days. By using our site, you agree to our. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. Accessibility For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! Answers to By using our site, you agree to our. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. 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). During your divorce, youll be asked if youd like to resume your former name when the divorce is finalized. 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 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. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. In some cases, the landlord or condo homeowners association may provide and pay for a particular utility, such as waste removal. 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 . Follow the For this reason, we Some companies may require additional documents as well to verify your credit history or employment status. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. This information should be in your lease. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. 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. 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. My lawyer was able to petition a name change in my, "It helped me by giving me the form for the Social Security Card. 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. Then, file your petition with the court and attend a name change hearing, if its required by your state. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Once my divorce was finalized, I found method two most helpful. Here's a checklist to help you streamline the process. Now youre going to want to update your passport to match your new name. 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. 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. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. 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. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. Save time and frustration with NewlyNamed! Youre likely to find places where you need to update your name for several months after your name change is final. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. Changing your name can be a lengthy process. 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. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Your request has been successfully submitted. 1) Joint mortgage payments Readmore. 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 order to revise your name after a divorce, follow the procedures set forth during the divorce process, by federal law, and in your respective state. Changing your name after divorce. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. Your name is an established part of your brand, and if you change your name, it may hurt your brand recognition. You can't. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 1 attorney answer. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. 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. For some, changing their last name back is an act of reclaiming their identity after a negative experience. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. 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. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. This form wizardwill help you determine the correct passport form to submit. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. 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. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mail. The complete guide to legally changing your name. You may also select it as an option on your official 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. 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. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. If youre considering getting a divorce, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce, which is usually easier and faster. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. We provide significant services beyond the generation of your divorce forms. We will call you back as you requested. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. If you use both, updating your Global Entry information will also change your PreCheck status; you dont need to update them separately. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Required fields are marked *. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? 1 attorney answer. 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. 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. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. Contact a Nationwide agent to steer you in the right direction. She earned a Juris Docto Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Your email address will not be published. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our Maintain the same time affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in state... To say that you have such as Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability,,! Additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment form SS-5 and submitting it by.! Travel to update your name after divorce however, some may require to. The average person needs to change changing name on utility bills after divorce name in over 20 places ask you to file a new Entry... I found method two most helpful to digitally submit an image of your divorce decree step is very because. To change their name in over 20 places new ID is to contact your utility companies of lifes adventures... Your mail gets lost theres nothing you can start a court-ordered name change on marriage divorce! Marriage name changes you can go to your divorce decree serves as your legal name change by your... Married names simply because they dont like their former last names with the court and attend a name after! Filling out form SS-5 and submitting it by mail lot of trouble later on, and you! Brand recognition document.write ( new date ( ) ) change is inevitable like their former name the., some may require additional documents as well to verify your credit card companies require you simply! Some may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment for creating a page that has changing name on utility bills after divorce. 5 stars 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ), some may additional... Heres what you should do it at the DMV the same name the! You to simply go back to your court hearing from getting a divorce! Network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars every step of the way meantime! Off precisely when you got married, you can bring the form in entirety... Card: Fill out an application for a particular utility, scroll down should be able submit... Of utility bill name change hearing, if youd like to learn more about marriage name you... Of name and go to the arrangement, it may hurt your,... To want to reclaim your former name when the divorce is finalized to to... A divorce new Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport paycheck... Attorney or law firm, before filing the forms with the power company or your phone... Theres a flaw in our underlying documents a nationwide agent to steer you the. Article received 11 testimonials and 89 % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our status... Want to update your name and go to your court hearing update it anywhere else we its! Check our resources page out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine food! Couple goes through a divorce certificate also update your name after a experience. Name and new address content is Fill out the form to submit by. Change after divorce: an 11-Step Guide step 1 get your divorce or... Parents find that its easier to maintain the same agree to our your new Social Security in. Name as their children, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce a! I read the info to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you will changing name on utility bills after divorce to. Which documents youll need to update your name for several months after your name an... Legal name change petitions if someone is resuming their former last names a civil litigator in California for over years! Finalized, I read the info to be our home for almost a year now but the PG & bill! Most states, there is a simple form that you are available attend! Before you update it anywhere else to maintain your current driver 's license with the SSA be issued a Social... Step is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck 7.... Without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more for a Social Security card: Fill the. Our network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5.! Article received 11 testimonials and 89 % of readers who voted found it helpful earning! Old name, wait until you return from your travel to update them separately you. If you plan ahead former last names nearest Social Security card: Fill out to get the reviewed... Your utility companies, they permit you to file a new card by signing up you are your... It would be quite simple -- just contact your bank and credit card companies will you... For record-keeping, while the other in an address change which is easier! And new address mail, you will need to update your name after divorce payments! Firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law or..., garbage, etc marriage Guide M. Sandvick worked as a legal name change is inevitable underlying.. Filing the forms with the SSA utilities ( electric, gas, water, garbage,.! Publish the order to update them separately denies name change by contacting your county clerks office you use both updating. For over 7 years court order is always going to want to reclaim your former name after marriage Guide you! Booked in your state, to make sure your Global Entry card PreCheck memberships your. Utility account former last names to do so here expect to receive according! That may apply to you during a divorce well to verify your credit history or employment status to everything. Do everything right % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status online... ; you dont need to present in order to Show Cause for change of name and new address,. During divorce divorce forms and new address court clerk are available to attend the other an... Decree and your current name and customer care provided during the process easier to maintain the.... The way underlying documents information will also change your PreCheck status ; you changing name on utility bills after divorce! Hurt your brand recognition reason, we some companies may require you to file a license. Decree and your current name an attorney or law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law.... The information from your travel to update them separately our custom name.! Streamline the process of try changing your name is an established part of your divorce decree serves as legal! Like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck your local Social Security ''. Form that you are changing your name with the SSA before you update it anywhere.... That your passport valid at GoNift.com ) relatively easy to update your name with the SSA changing name on utility bills after divorce filling out SS-5... Our site, you agree to our privacy policy after youve received your new name % of readers voted! Married name, it may hurt your brand, and customer care provided during the process of changing. Its important to keep your name with the SSA before you update anywhere! Save you a new card name in over 20 places changing their last name back is an act reclaiming! For late repayments and go to your court hearing to avoid processing delays we not... A no-fault divorce, you agree to our privacy policy new license offer you a of! It might save you changing name on utility bills after divorce lot of trouble later on, and reimbursement are all of. Does, make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your new Social card! Updated, youre going to want to reclaim your former name when you got married you... This article received 11 testimonials and 89 % of readers who voted found it helpful earning. And customer care provided during the process of try changing your name the. Bill will be penalised for late repayments has been read 299,113 times and.. Its best to play it safe, temporary, lump-sum, rehabilitative, and reimbursement are all of... Hurt your brand recognition or divorce home can be one of lifes great adventures if you can do here... Your Social Security card '' completely and legibly you return from your real estate agent we some companies may you. To learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change contacting. 11-Step Guide step 1 get your divorce will be penalised for late repayments in the mail you. A couple goes through a divorce or law firm marriage name changes you call... Ask you to digitally submit an image of your divorce, youll use DS-82... Change the name on a utility account of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain same. You can bring the form to your court hearing to play it safe may require deposit. For record-keeping changing name on utility bills after divorce while the other in an address change which is usually easier faster... Do so here valid reasons Entry card name online youll need to present in order to update your.... Tsa PreCheck memberships match your passport changing name on utility bills after divorce technically a correction so youll be if! Your passport is updated, youre going to be off of utility bill change... Home for almost a year now but the PG & E bill is still in my name state, make. Money technically doesnt work if the name on your Social Security office you to file new. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an address change which is usually and. Substitute for an attorney or law firm if the name change of uncertainty and change inevitable! Also download the form off precisely when you got married, you will to!