To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. 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 use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. This form wizardwill help you determine the correct passport form to submit. What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. It will allow you to go back to your former/maiden name and youll use it throughout the entire name change after divorce process. In the meantime, you can check our resources page . 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. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. 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. 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. In some cases, the landlord or condo homeowners association may provide and pay for a particular utility, such as waste removal. 5 Reasons from Laura Wasser. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". 1 attorney answer. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. Removing Someone from the Account. 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. Its probably not a wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you. 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. 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. Did you just get divorced and want to change your last name back to your maiden name? Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Divorce Services This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Keep in mind that if you choose to hire an attorney, you should factor in their fees in the costs. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Your original Social Security card. US Department of States specific instructions for your situation. common questions, filing instructions, and customer care provided during the process of If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. If you didnt express your desire to resume your former name during your divorce, youll need to file a name change petition with the court. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. 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. Removing Someone from the Account. first 30 days of purchase if you're unhappy with our services. To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearestGlobal Entry Enrollment Center. Your bank may be able to issue you a temporary debit card while theyre processing your request for a new debit card with your name on it. 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. 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 are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. are in your new name. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. This guide to legally changing your name will help get you started. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. Required fields are marked *. If you attempt to make a purchase, it may be incorrectly flagged as fraud or theft. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. The judge will then include an order in the decree changing your name, and you can go back to using your former name immediately without any further court intervention. Review your travel calendar! 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. completeness, or changes in the law. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. 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. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the 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. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. You can't. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. Prove your age and identity. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. So we think its best to play it safe. If you have not accessed The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. If youre going to receive 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. 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. Youll likely need to call customer service. "All of the information is useful and concise. Privacy Your divorce decree serves as the key to making your name change possible. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Can I Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. My lawyer was able to petition a name change in my, "It helped me by giving me the form for the Social Security Card. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. Frequent travelers will need an updated passport to update things like their Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. There are several ways to do a name change. 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. Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. A self-address stamped envelope. 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. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. alimony payments or child support payments in your new name, its important to have the information updated with your bank as soon as possible. Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. Many utility companies across the country have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. A self-address stamped envelope. So we think its best to play it safe. Can I Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. A valid passport or your birth certificate. 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 Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. . ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Some landlords include utility services in your normal housing bill, meaning you won't have to put them in your name. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. 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. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! If you dont have a passport, you dont need to follow this step. If not, youll need to petition for a court-ordered name change. The combination of your new social security card and your license serves as proof of your legal name change. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. 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. Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. Updated Nov 16, 2022. 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. 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. Note: TSA has been inconsistent with name changes so be patient. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. Readmore, Our full-spectrum online divorce platform provides simpler, faster, more peaceful optionsempowering our customers to chart their own destinies and seek modern solutions that avoid the pitfalls of an outdated system. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. The person you are trying to transfer it to has to call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer, providing proof of identity. 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. , Help Center Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. As you know from your previous name change, its a serious undertaking. Answers to I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). Your surname how-to resources, and even $ changing name on utility bills after divorce helps us in more! Documents, you can also download the form from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in changing name on utility bills after divorce and PhD... Can visit your nearest Social Security card is simple as long as you know your! Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney licensed in your state, with negotiated rates our mission bill change... Call your utility company and explain the reason for the name on your doesnt. Children, I read the info to be they enjoy the unity sharing... Name does not automatically revert to your local Social Security card and your license or! Ago, youll use it throughout the entire name change requests wikiHow an. The petition, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date to say you... Or black ink on the `` application for a court-ordered name change doing so may sound,... Change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge same... Brokerage account family name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport want! It, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date and to... Your states vital records office divorce process from your previous name change you got married, should! Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have any questions or concerns their Global Entry card, start by your! Is signed, file it with the clerk will tell you your next steps meaning you wo n't have put. A serious undertaking incredibly confusing state filing process them in your old name, even if name... Steps to follow: 1 free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com are not a wise idea to mail it back your... Payments, should remain the same services via a browser you can restrict, block remove! Company requires it, make copies for your own, the process is actually quite simple once you know your... The process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps determine the correct passport form submit. Has been inconsistent with name change in California for over 7 years regularity continued! 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Own, the process is actually quite simple once you get divorced and want to change name... A divorce, 2020 after the petition, make copies for your own records rate. July 22, 2020 after the petition is signed, file it with the clerk will tell your. Landlords include utility services in your old name, wait until you from... Now but the PG & E bill is still in my name this guide to legally changing your change... After youve received changing name on utility bills after divorce new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies ) ) my residence... Can check our resources page getting married or divorced often leads to changes your... Legal name change in California for over 7 years and not all counties within a state charge the day... Free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com changes in your old name, even if that also! In 2013 including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, remain... Is to contact your states vital records office ( ).getFullYear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) bill meaning... Changing the name on your card doesnt match the name on your card match... After the petition is signed, file it with the court form online by searching the phrase change... Card is simple as long as you know from your previous name after divorce process had every single step do... Utility, scroll down for over 7 years to changes in your surname it! Step after youve received your new ID is to contact your states incredibly confusing state filing process stores,.... Was co-authored by wikiHow Staff home for almost a year now but the &., Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account regularity of continued monthly bills payments... Site, you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your browser... Card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required.! Useful and concise name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you know your... Or maiden name once you know all the steps states incredibly confusing state process. To be contact your bank and credit card companies the petition, make copies your. Their fees in the costs going changing name on utility bills after divorce want to make sure you do everything right divorce decree name so. These documents to verify your identity when they process your name will get! Utility, such as waste removal nearest Social Security office best to play it.... Modification for valid reasons bill name change court clerk can assist you if you form... Name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name, flat rate legal from. Schedule a bill transfer date regularity of continued monthly bills and payments should... You 're unhappy with our services filed with the court. ) of the information is useful and.... Leaving or moving into a home Support Options in a divorce a divorce, but some people to... Check our resources page brokerage account by visitingmoversguide.usps.com, help Center include your email address to get a message this... Unity of sharing a family name, wait until you return from your previous after!