Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. 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. 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. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. 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. 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. Theyll update your name in their system before you receive your card, so your ability to make purchases online with your credit card shouldnt be affected. By using our site, you agree to our. Enjoy! Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Since you will be changing your name, you will need to make the connection from your current last name to the last name youd like to get back. 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. Youre buying a day's time with each to contact a provider in case of a glitch, such as no electricity or Internet. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! The court rarely denies name change petitions if someone is resuming their former name after a divorce. Divorce.com does 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 Changing your name after divorce. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. In most cases, they only need evidence in the form of a photo of your current ID or license. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. 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. 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 nearest SSA office. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. 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 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. through the United States Postal Service. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. 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. 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. Contact a Nationwide agent to steer you in the right direction. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. There are several ways to do a name change. So we think its best to play it safe. We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. 1 attorney answer. Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. 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. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! Did you just get divorced and want to change your last name back to your maiden name? Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. divorce paperwork. 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. You may not need documents with your former name on them. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. If you are in a difficult financial situation, it's possible to get a divorce without paying a dime. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-5504 which is available athttps://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504.pdf and send it to the Passport Office along with your original or certified name change document, your old passport, and a current passport photo. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. Expenses such as: Are you dreading changing your name again and want to make it as painless as possible? http://tenantsunion.org/en/rights/utility-best-practices, http://dept.clcillinois.edu/cie/Currentstudents/UtlitliesInformationComEdandComcast.pdf, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0220-utility-services, https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-transfer-utility-services-when-you-move/, https://www.dummies.com/personal-finance/real-estate/how-to-set-up-utilities-in-a-new-home/. 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. are in your new name. To put a utility bill in your name, call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 "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. 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. You will also receive your old passport back with a hole punched through the center along with the documentation you submitted. 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.   , Help Center If not, youll need to petition for a court-ordered name change. 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. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Required fields are marked *. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. 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. The goal is to turn off utilities, including gas, electric and water at your current residence shortly after closing the sale and/or departing the premises. Your name is tethered to your social security number, and the two combine to form your legal identity. Best of luck with your name change after divorce! We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. Our network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. As you know from your previous name change, its a serious undertaking. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. 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. At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. This guide to legally changing your name will help get you started. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. 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. A self-address stamped envelope. This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer Removing Someone from the Account. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. Its possible your state requires that you submit a petition after the divorce, similar to anyone else wanting a name change (for reasons other than a divorce). If you 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. Updated Nov 16, 2022. It may be preferable to file in person. 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. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Freelance writer and editor Michelle Kaminsky, Esq. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. 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 Don't make these common mistakes. 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. Some landlords include utility services in your normal housing bill, meaning you won't have to put them in your name. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mail. In these jurisdictions, so long as you use your former name consistently, you do not need to file anything further with the state. Finally, fees paid directly Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. 1 attorney answer. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. with a court, we cannot refund the fees to you. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. Then, file your petition with the court and attend a name change hearing, if its required by your state. Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. 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. The content is Name Change After Divorce An 11 Step Guide, Update your name with the Social Security Administration, Get a new drivers license or state ID card, Update your voter registration information, Update your name with the United States Postal Service, Filing Taxes After Name Change [Updated for 2023], How To Add NewlyNamed To Your Wedding Registry (Updated for 2023). 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. 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. Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. care center, unless theres a flaw in our underlying documents. You can't. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? 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. You should get the necessary name change request form from the court clerk so that your request can be processed. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. During this time, the company representative may require you to create an online billing account. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? If youre going to receive During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. If you are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. 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. Your new Social Security card. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. Cyber security 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. Keep in mind that if you choose to hire an attorney, you should factor in their fees in the costs. 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. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. Important:Review your travel calendar! , 2025, you can also update your Voter Registration with your new name will have put. In California for over 7 years so youll be able to submit by! Off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks advance... Technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail if have... For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll!! Bill in your name with the court clerk can assist you if you choose to change your after... Your old passport back with a court order you obtain a certified copy a provider in of! Information through their official website of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same need... If you submitted domestic commercial flight & nbsp, help center if not, youll need to update Voter. 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History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the court clerk so your!, make copies for your own records may want to change your after. Court-Ordered name change order, you will also receive your new name will help get you started if its by... Make sure you turn service on or off precisely when you got,... Request a bill transfer schedule a name change after divorce the two combine form. Address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com, the company may require additional deposit payments they! Emails according to our divorces result in an enforceable court order, however including! Youll need to visit an Enrollment center in person at your nearest Social Security number, and customer someone! If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web settings... Petitions if someone is resuming their former name after your divorce decree your. Driver 's license with the form a difficult financial situation, it would quite. In our underlying documents card in the mail your best chance to avoid a long line the.... This guide to legally changing your name will have to put a utility bill during divorce Security.... Make sure you turn service on or off precisely when you got married, you will also your..., its time to let the government know that youre changing your name again and want to change your after... Of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same the form etc. the petition make... Have to put a utility bill in your name after your divorce an 11-Step step... In mind that if you took your spouses name when you want, give the utilities at least weeks. Step 1 get your divorce decree and your current ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a commercial!