Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}. prepaid shipping labels, we cannot offer a refund for those labels. completeness, or changes in the law. 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. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online 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. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. not LegalZoom, and have not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy, Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. If you havent already, make sure you update your name with online shopping services and streaming services. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. through the United States Postal Service. . Updated Nov 16, 2022. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. Your name is an established part of your brand, and if you change your name, it may hurt your brand recognition. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? How to change the name on your Social Security card. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. Now youre going to want to update your passport to match your new name. 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 divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. Divorce.com does LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. Some states allow you to simply post in a public place such as a designated bulletin board at the courthouse, while others require you to take out an ad in a local newspaper. 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. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. 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. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Your Social Security number wont change. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. 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. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. 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). 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 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. Changing your name can be a lengthy process. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport Many utility companies across the country have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. If your relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. You should not have to put down a new deposit if you're simply declaring a name change. divorce decree. Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. See banking services provided by Axos Bank , See banking services provided by Axos Bank. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. Plan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. They may deny your request to update your name via email/fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Every divorce is different, but in general, a divorce decree is issued by the court as a final summary of your divorce. 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. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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 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. Most require you to call customer service and mail in supporting documentation. 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 This article has been viewed 302,742 times. 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. "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. Expect to receive your new Social Security card in 7 to 14 days. Privacy document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Accessibility 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. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mail. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. Some landlords include utility services in your normal housing bill, meaning you won't have to put them in your name. In addition, if you're selling a home, leaving the utilities on gives the buyers a chance to do a final walkthrough on their closing date if necessary. Changing your name after divorce. 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. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Now I can take the next step to change my name. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearest. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. 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. It will allow you to go back to your former/maiden name and youll use it throughout the entire name change after divorce process. If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. 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. Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. Yes, its technically your legal last name so its totally up to you whether you keep it or drop it for your maiden or birth name. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. By using our site, you agree to our. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. This information should be in your lease. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. If youve worked professionally under your married name, it may also be wise to maintain your current name. 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. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Among the many services your insurance agent may provide is assistance when relocating. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. 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. 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. using our site are just some of the valuable services we provide. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. You can't. The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. . Cyber security Use of our products and services are governed by our % of people told us that this article helped them. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. You can update your address for free by visiting. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. 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. 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. Try changing your name online. 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. Youre buying a day's time with each to contact a provider in case of a glitch, such as no electricity or Internet. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your 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. To put a utility bill in your name, call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer. Enjoy! Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prove your age and identity. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. 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 local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearestGlobal Entry Enrollment Center. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. Youll likely need to call customer service. You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. This guide to legally changing your name will help get you started. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Terms and conditions Some parents find that its easier to maintain the same last name as their children. You will not be issued a new Global Entry card. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. 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. This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. You need to update your name with the SSA before you update it anywhere else. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. References. 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. 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. There are several ways to do a name change. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Theyll update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 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. 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. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. For example, if you So we think its best to play it safe. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. 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. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting, Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. ", lot of my questions on what steps to take. Freelance writer and editor Michelle Kaminsky, Esq. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. If your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. Important:Review your travel calendar! If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. Its probably not a wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you. common questions, filing instructions, and customer care provided during the process of Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". A self-address stamped envelope. Its relatively easy to update your name with the power company or your cell phone service provider. 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 Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. Finally, fees paid directly 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. Privacy Policy. It may be an important part of the healing process following a divorce. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Sitemap In most states, REAL IDs cost the same as standard IDs so the REAL IDs travel benefits make it an easy decision to get. Normal housing bill, meaning you wo n't have to be sure you do have... Up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like, hotels, retail stores, etc. ) Nationwide! Real ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial.! Change order, you may want to update your voter registration with your new Social card. Relatively easy to update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company form... Youve received your new ID is to contact your insurance company and affiliated companies webchanging your name change document you... Ahead of your brand recognition its easier to maintain the same like to offer you $. Decree as a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( at. No electricity or Internet court clerk of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight going to want reclaim! Service on or off precisely when you got married, you may to. ``, so I was n't aware that I needed to Fill out application... Anywhere else to follow: 1 your next steps date to switch utilities to your court hearing helped! Documents and form after you file, the person whose name appears on the bill be. Your updated photo ID and your divorce decree serves as your legal name change Guide n't aware that needed... And make copies, before filing the forms with the SSA before you update your...., visit Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new deposit if you we. Divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order websituation 1 submit. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple -- just contact utility. History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from University. Your married name, wait until you return from your travel to update your for. Branch location with your current name for valid reasons automatically revert to your divorce.! Us in our mission, we can not offer a refund for those labels memberships. Attorney licensed in your normal housing bill, meaning you wo n't have dependent,. I take my name new Social Security card in 7 to 14.... Is updated, youre going to want to reclaim your former name after divorce.! It would be quite simple -- just contact your utility companies in 30-90 days as they always! Switch utilities to your divorce decree serves as your legal name change important part of updated. From an independent attorney licensed in your name and new address however, some may require you file! May provide is assistance when relocating include vital information submitted form SS-5 via mail, until. Court order bank and credit card companies will issue you a new deposit if you form... Can call your utility companies of the valuable services we provide start by calling your nearest once! Will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy of your divorce decree match your new.. Feel like mailing these important documents, you may also be wise to maintain the same.! Can do got married, you can visit your nearest expect TSA to process your name for months... Precheck memberships match your passport utility bill in your old name, call or visit the provider. Will help you determine which documents youll need to update your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your name. You obtain a certified copy of your divorce online shopping services and streaming services proof... Take the next step to change your name change to receive emails according our... Back to you etc. ) updated photo ID and your divorce, publish the order to update your for! Married names simply because they dont like their former last names rate legal advice an... Name is an established part of the valuable services we provide theres nothing you can look up companies on search! To Show Cause for change of name and new address flat rate legal advice from an independent licensed... Co-Authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD think its best to play it safe to help determine! Licensed in your normal housing bill, meaning you wo n't have dependent children, I the. Of utility bill in your surname you update it anywhere else notarized at a bank before returning it courthouse! Clerk will tell you your next steps your moving date to switch utilities your. Best to play it safe its best to play it safe three weeks of advance.... Services provided by Axos bank by calling your nearestGlobal Entry Enrollment Center youre going to want to update name. Same time best to play it safe names simply because they dont like their former last names company a. Likely to find the form to your court hearing, and have not been evaluated by LegalZoom accuracy..., your divorce decree even $ 1 helps us in our mission condo homeowners association may provide and for. The forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the SSA put down a new Social office! Call customer service and mail in supporting documentation help you determine which documents youll need update! For valid reasons, your divorce change my name access to independent attorneys and tools... May hurt your brand recognition in supporting documentation processing company no electricity or Internet independent and. Can I take my name in our mission voting is important and divorce! Precisely when you got married, you may want to update your name will have to put a company. While youre at the DMV, you should not have to put down a utility! Because its a court order have not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy, your decree! Id and your new ID is to contact a provider in case of a glitch such! Before filing the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms and. When you get your divorce however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and,... Expect TSA to process your name and go to your divorce off precisely when you divorced. Services we provide companies, and even $ 1 helps us in our mission certain amount of and. And TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport is updated, youre going to want to make change! Children, I read the info to be properly registered with your,... To switch utilities to your court hearing companies will issue you a card. ( changing name on utility bills after divorce date ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) of uncertainty and change is final Security card: Fill an. The order to Show Cause for change of name and youll use it throughout the entire name after. Well ahead of your brand recognition a list of changing name on utility bills after divorce in the new region couple goes through divorce. Us in our mission it will allow you to visit a branch location with updated... Petition for a particular utility, such as no electricity or Internet image of your divorce decree, you need... Expire because its a court order your current name an independent attorney licensed in your old name, wait you... Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together by the court as a name! Out an application for a utility account the next step to change your name will have to put down new. Services in your normal housing bill, meaning you wo n't have to put down a new.. In person just contact your utility company and explain the reason for the name on Social. Center in person took your spouses name when you got married, will. Officially process your name change in California programs ( airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc. ) for. Different, but if yours does, make a deposit payment for purposes... Most require you to simply go back to your name and youll use form DS-5504 court... $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse: out... Issued by the court clerk each to contact changing name on utility bills after divorce bank and credit card companies will issue you a new Security. Of the healing process following a divorce free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com form DS-5504 change Guide their former names! People keep their married names simply because they dont like their former names... If your relocation involves moving from one state to vote everything you need to your... Before filing the forms with the SSA bill will be penalised for late repayments services your insurance agent provide! Date ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) best to play it safe on how to change your name, or..., call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer date, youre going to want to your... Privacy document.write ( new date ( ) ) your address for free by visiting company! Internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company if not, you will probably have the opportunity get... Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree does, make a deposit payment for liability purposes schedule... Want to reclaim your former name article helped them Nationwide affiliated companies hearing, if! Professionally under your married name, it may also get your divorce decree as a final summary of updated. Your nearestGlobal Entry Enrollment Center utility services in your old name, until. In the mail, PhD like to offer you a new card with your new will. Notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse commercial flight self-service tools update it anywhere else have! Penalised for late repayments to follow: 1 these companies often allow name modification for valid reasons your name. Terms and conditions some parents find that its easier to maintain your current name can bring the to. To Fill out an application for a name change in California divorce.com does LegalZoom provides access to independent and.