However, you may need to pay a processing fee. Youll fill out The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. 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. This article received 11 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. 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. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! 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. That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. 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/. We recommend applying for a REAL ID. ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). This article has been viewed 302,742 times. 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. 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. ), state documents (drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. 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. not sell blank forms. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Plan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Most Enrollment Centers are in airports, so we suggest arriving a few hours early to your next flight so you can make the update without having to make two trips. Your new Social Security card. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. Changing your name after divorce. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. Some landlords include utility services in your normal housing bill, meaning you won't have to put them in your name. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. 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. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. 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. 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. Follow the Divorce.com does Complete the "Application for a Social Security Card" completely and legibly. The most affordable way to get it done right. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. completeness, or changes in the law. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final All of the above assumes that you would like to revert to using your former name after divorce. If you dont have a passport, you dont need to follow this step. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. At Divorce.com, we care about our customers and stand by the quality of our . are in your new name. 1 attorney answer. 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 have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, remember to update Global Entry first! 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. After a divorce it's helpful to understand what the documents are, and where you should go to get them. 1) Joint mortgage payments Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce?   , Our Philosophy These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. 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 We will call you back as you requested. . 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. Then, you need to turn them on at your new dwelling ideally prior to the arrival of the moving van. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Finally, fees paid directly You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! 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. The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Callyour local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. 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. 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. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. form SS-5 and file it with the SSA. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. She earned a Juris Docto Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. If youre still making a decision, heres what you should consider about pursuing a name change after divorce. "All of the information is useful and concise. 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. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. You may also select it as an option on your official 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. Accessibility The combination of your new social security card and your license serves as proof of your legal name change. 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. So we think its best to play it safe. 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. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Try changing your name online. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. Important:Review your travel calendar! Freelance writer and editor Michelle Kaminsky, Esq. 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 may want to start a new chapter in your life, or perhaps you were already using your maiden name for work purposes even while you were married. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. If you use both, updating your Global Entry information will also change your PreCheck status; you dont need to update them separately. to, or for access to, lawyers or for mediation services are not covered by this guarantee. sure of the facts. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). 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 What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. They may deny your request to update your name via email/fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. Call or email us and servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the Before you head to the DMV, check out your state DMVs website to see if you can set up an appointment. If you havent already, make sure you update your name with online shopping services and streaming services. For some, changing their last name back is an act of reclaiming their identity after a negative experience. 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. Most can be done over the phone after verifying your identity or via mail. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Change-Your-Name-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Your-Name-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Change-Your-Name-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid1474712-v4-728px-Change-Your-Name-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"