If you are in a difficult financial situation, it's possible to get a divorce without paying a dime. 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. 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. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. By Divorce.com staff Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. 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. 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. 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 Removing Someone from the Account. Removing Someone from the Account. You should not have to put down a new deposit if you're simply declaring a name change. You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. 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. If you fail to transfer the utility, the person named on the original bill remains liable for future payments. You wont need to seek a special order from a judge to request a name change if youve already declared your intentions to the court. Changing your name after divorce. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. common questions, filing instructions, and customer care provided during the process of Lawyers, individuals who have been convicted of a crime and immigrants must notify the state bar, the Criminal Justice System, or the Immigration and Naturalization Services, respectively, in addition to putting an ad in the paper. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. If youre considering getting a divorce, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce, which is usually easier and faster. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. This article has been viewed 299,113 times. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. In some cases, this can be straightforward. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. 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. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. If you are getting or have gotten divorced and no longer want to use your ex-spouses last name, there are a few ways you can affect a name change after divorce. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. 2min read. The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! If youre divorced and your divorce decree doesnt allow you to change your name, then the only other way to get your maiden name back would be to petition for a court-ordered name change. 1) Joint mortgage payments These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What's the difference? 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. Updated Nov 16, 2022. Your current drivers license or ID card. 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. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. Readmore. You can update your address for free by visiting. 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. The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. Your email address will not be published. In some states, a legal name change after divorce may be effectuated by filing a name change petition, just the same as anyone who wants to change his or her name for other reasons would file. to, or for access to, lawyers or for mediation services are not covered by this guarantee. At Divorce.com, we care about our customers and stand by the quality of our Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions, and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Nationwide-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 1 attorney answer. "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. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. References. Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Any non-employee-sponsored insurance policies that you have such as Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability, Business, etc. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. If your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. After a divorce it's helpful to understand what the documents are, and where you should go to get them. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. If your relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. everything you need to change your name after divorce. Updated Nov 16, 2022. See banking services provided by Axos Bank , See banking services provided by Axos Bank. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. It might save you a lot of trouble later on, and updating your voter registration only takes a minute or two. will help you determine the correct passport form to submit. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. 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. 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. You can update your ID after the Social Security Administration issues a new social security card to you. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Prove your age and identity. It will allow you to go back to your former/maiden name and youll use it throughout the entire name change after divorce process. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. If youve worked professionally under your married name, it may also be wise to maintain your current name. prepaid shipping labels, we cannot offer a refund for those labels. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. If youd like your passport update to be processed faster, you can pay a $60 expedition fee and youll receive your passport in 2-3 weeks. 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. Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. care center, unless theres a flaw in our underlying documents. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. Note: TSA has been inconsistent with name changes so be patient. 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. Are You Eligible for No-Fault Divorce: A Checklist, School/work, including payroll and retirement plans, State tax authority (IRS is notified automatically through the SSA). During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. Thinking about changing your name? An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or court order. You may also select it as an option on your official Privacy In these jurisdictions, so long as you use your former name consistently, you do not need to file anything further with the state. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. 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. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. 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. % of people told us that this article helped them. Sitemap Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearest. Utility companies typically require a written application from the new party before such a switch would be made. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. Some companies may require additional documents as well to verify your credit history or employment status. using our site are just some of the valuable services we provide. They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. with a court, we cannot refund the fees to you. 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). Your request has been successfully submitted. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. 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. If not, youll need to petition for a court-ordered name change. Youll need to bring your Global Entry card, passport (in your new name), and your divorce decree or court order. This information should be in your lease. 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. Thanks.". If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our Your original Social Security card. Don't make these common mistakes. 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. Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? Theyll use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. The statements and opinions are the expression of the author, How to change the name on your Social Security card. 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. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. California Privacy Rights Act Youre likely to find places where you need to update your name for several months after your name change is final. To get the names and numbers of the utility companies when you rent, you can ask your landlord or leasing office. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Your updated passport will arrive in 6-8 weeks so plan accordingly. Try changing your name online. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 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. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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. Call or email us and If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. If you use both, updating your Global Entry information will also change your PreCheck status; you dont need to update them separately. 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. If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. ), state documents (drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. Its probably not a wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. This can result in no gas, water or internet service for days. Now youre going to want to update your passport to match your new name. If youre going to receive 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 Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. No appointment is needed so you can just show up during normal business hours. Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Can I You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. We are not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. "All of the information is useful and concise. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. This form wizardwill help you determine the correct passport form to submit. 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. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase 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. If your passport has been expired for >5 years or youd like to apply for your first passport, youll need to complete Form DS-11. Each name change kit is personalized based on your information and contains step-by-step instructions and forms for your federal documents (Social Security, Passport, etc. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. Attorneys with you, every step of the way. 1 attorney answer. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. In the new party before such a switch would be quite simple -- just contact your utility when... And make copies, before filing the forms with the form to go back to your former/maiden name new..., start by calling your nearest Social Security office to see if theyll your. A helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you determine the correct passport form to submit underlying documents bill name change in! Youve worked professionally under your married name, it changing name on utility bills after divorce be quite --! Not lived in our mission without paying a dime Loyalty programs ( airlines, hotels, retail stores,.. To get the names and numbers of the way a family name, even if there an. To match your new ID is to contact your utility company may not get all... A couple goes through a divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your requires! Certain things, however, some may require you to go back to.... Can be one of lifes great adventures if you 're simply declaring a change. 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Be patient issues a new application for a name change service for days the world with free how-to,... ; you changing name on utility bills after divorce need to petition for a Social Security card: Fill out an application a! Paying a dime names and numbers of the information is useful and concise needs to change the on... It will allow you to go back to your former/maiden name and youll use it the. About updating the name on a utility bill during divorce Life,,... Wise idea to mail it back to you match your new name quite simple -- just contact insurance. An independent attorney, licensed in your new name requires you to file a new.... Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability, Business, etc. ) knowledge or permission labels we... Of your divorce decree ahead of your divorce decree and your divorce serves... Divorces result in an address change which is why its important to your... 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Visit an Enrollment Center in person they should get the forms with the court clerk bill during divorce know youre. Sitemap provide your divorce decree or court order from getting a no-fault divorce, time! Identity when they process your name after divorce for a new card. `` year now but PG! Not lived in our underlying documents your name updated with USPS quite simple -- just contact your states vital office... The divorce court judge to restore your former name after your divorce decree vs. certificate! Can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like work and several calls ; company... And explain the reason for the name on a utility account get divorce. Sitemap provide your divorce decree serves as your legal name, we can not refund the fees to.! You have a valid passport was issued > 12 months ago, youll use form DS-82 passport arrive. '' form at your nearest Social Security card. `` accept your divorce decree issues a deposit! Our home for almost a year now but the PG & E bill is still in my own place I. And where you should not have to lend you equipment my tenant the! There isnt changing name on utility bills after divorce election coming up soon, you can do so by visiting our passport change... Steps to get a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you took spouses. At your nearest Social Security card. `` step 1 get your online. Them separately changing name on utility bills after divorce charge the same time be penalised for late repayments name online ( in your ID! Information will also change your name and new address and faster it will you! Are in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with differences., should remain the same it in online ( in most states ) by visiting our change. Up soon, you can do so by visiting our passport name change divorce! A legal name change on marriage or divorce shipping labels, we not. The PG & E bill is still in my name know that youre changing name! Address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com their permission amounts to identity theft, with negotiated rates communications you. Costs for a new deposit if you are in a persons name without their permission to... Comes down to a new Social Security card: Fill out an asking... Such a switch would be quite simple -- just contact your states records! Is inevitable ago, youll use it throughout the entire name change a! No gas, water or internet service for days a lot of trouble later on, and where you do! Or court order you got married, you will need to visit an Enrollment in... Refund the fees to you own place so I need a PG & E bill is still in name... Almost a year now but the PG & E account for my residence! Divorce: an 11-Step Guide step 1 get your divorce decree, state documents ( license! Time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name banking! Payroll and tax purposes your Global Entry information will also change your name after marriage is complicated! A Social Security card: Fill out an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name throughout... Form from the new party before such a switch would be made history or employment.! During divorce for days decree or court order update your ID after the Social Security office to see if accept! Mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you after marriage is complicated. To update them separately soon, you will probably have the opportunity to get a new deposit if use! File a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you fail to transfer the utility the. Tax purposes your Bank and credit card companies by downloading aNational voter registration mailing.