To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. The average person needs to change their name in over 20 places! Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. 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. Don't make these common mistakes. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. 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. You can update your ID after the Social Security Administration issues a new social security card to you. 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. divorce paperwork. Thinking about changing your name? You will need to mail in the application along with the required documentation, a color photograph of yourself, and the applicable fees. 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. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. 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. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. 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. Must contain your full name and address. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. Now I can take the next step to change my name. are in your new name. Follow the 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 the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. "All of the information is useful and concise. We provide significant services beyond the generation of your divorce forms. In addition, we cannot guarantee that a customer's spouse will sign the documents and cannot Here's a checklist to help you streamline the process. Youll fill out 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. The complete guide to legally changing your name. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. 1 attorney answer. through the United States Postal Service. 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. If youre currently a passport holder, the instructions for updating your passport will vary depending on the type of passport you have and how long youve held the passport. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Its probably not a wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you. Privacy The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. form SS-5 and file it with the SSA. The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose. 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). When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Some people choose to keep their married names after a divorce, especially if they have children. Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. Thank you. 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. 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. Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. 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. Privacy Policy. 5 Reasons from Laura Wasser. Required fields are marked *. will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. ), state documents (drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. By using our site, you agree to our. not legal advice. 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. 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). Divorce.com is subject to and governed by our Terms of Use. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. 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 divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. 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 you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. alimony payments or child support payments in your new name, its important to have the information updated with your bank as soon as possible. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. Among the many services your insurance agent may provide is assistance when relocating. 1) Joint mortgage payments It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. 1 attorney answer. While getting a certified copy will probably cost you $10-$20, you will need this official copy to change your name on your other documents. You will not be issued a new Global Entry 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. Your email address will not be published. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. 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 received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. It will allow you to go back to your former/maiden name and youll use it throughout the entire name change after divorce process. 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. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. 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. 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. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Terms and conditions Important:Review your travel calendar! A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. If you cant call the number on the back of your card. You should get the necessary name change request form from the court clerk so that your request can be processed. 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 If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your 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). "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. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. You may not need documents with your former name on them. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Call or email us and 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 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 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. Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Privacy Policy, but are not covered by the attorney-client privilege. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. 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. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. Two (2) documents are required such as a utility bill, mortgage/lease statement, bank statement, or credit card statement. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. In most states, youll be required to fill out a name change petition, and get it notarized by the court or at your bank. Your divorce decree serves as the key to making your name change possible. Application for Social Security Card | SSA, Passport Application & Passport Renewal | USPS, How to Negotiate a Divorce Settlement With Your Spouse, Moving After Divorce: A Comprehensive Checklist, What Is a Divorce Deposition? Keep in mind that in some states you may be required to pay a small fee to get a new license. 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. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. Callyour local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. not LegalZoom, and have not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy, Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. not sell blank forms. Cyber security You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Contact a Nationwide agent to steer you in the right direction. The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. Your updated passport will arrive in 6-8 weeks so plan accordingly. There are several ways to do a name change. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. She earned a Juris Docto However, you may need to pay a processing fee. 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. 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. If youre still making a decision, heres what you should consider about pursuing a name change after divorce. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our 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. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. To get the names and numbers of the utility companies when you rent, you can ask your landlord or leasing office. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". How do I transfer a utility bill to another name? If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, remember to update Global Entry first! 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. {"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":"