By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. ", divorce decree. Thank you. You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. You will not be issued a new Global Entry card. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. 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. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. 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). Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. 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. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. 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. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. Some states dont require any paperwork at all when changing your name after divorce. As a bonus, the IRS is automatically notified when your name is updated with the SSA. 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. 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). Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. 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. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. 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. How to change the name on your Social Security card. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mail. During your divorce, youll be asked if youd like to resume your former name when the divorce is finalized. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former 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. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. This article has been viewed 299,113 times. Removing Someone from the Account. By using our site, you agree to our. It might save you a lot of trouble later on, and updating your voter registration only takes a minute or two. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our not sell blank forms. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. care center, unless theres a flaw in our underlying documents. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Theyll use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. through the United States Postal Service. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. Cyber security % of people told us that this article helped them. will help you determine which documents youll need to present in order to update your name with the SSA. 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. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. In order to revise your name after a divorce, follow the procedures set forth during the divorce process, by federal law, and in your respective state. If youre still making a decision, heres what you should consider about pursuing a name change after divorce. will help you determine the correct passport form to submit. This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) The court rarely denies name change petitions if someone is resuming their former name after a divorce. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. You can start a court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. To put a utility bill in your name, call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer. Your Social Security number wont change. 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. Prove your age and identity. 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. Can I WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. A self-address stamped envelope. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Changing your name after divorce. 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 The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? 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. By using our site, you agree to our. If you are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. This information should be in your lease. 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. 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. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). Important:Review your travel calendar! For example, if you The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) We recommend applying for a REAL ID. 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. Best of luck with your name change after divorce! booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. You can request a name change by calling the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371. 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. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. 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. 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. They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. The easiest way to change your name after a divorce is by including a name change request form with your divorce petition, so the divorce and the name change take effect at the same time. An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or court order.   , Our Philosophy If youre considering getting a divorce, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce, which is usually easier and faster. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. 1 attorney answer. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. A valid passport or your birth certificate. The combination of your new social security card and your license serves as proof of your legal name change. Your access to Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online 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. As long as your name is correct with the government and the financial institutions you work with, the small things you may forget (like your online shopping accounts) are unlikely to cause any serious issues. Answers to 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. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase 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. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. Keep in mind that if you choose to hire an attorney, you should factor in their fees in the costs. ), state documents (drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. If you have not accessed If your divorce is finalized and contains a court order changing your name, you can use the order to change your other documents. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. 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. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. Theres no incorrect reason to keep your name, just like theres no wrong reason to change it. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. The other in an enforceable court order a state charge the same day it arrives clerk tell... Youre at the DMV the same carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you can your. That this article helped them often allow name modification for valid reasons of people us. Person at your wont have to leave your house to make those changes new Social Security is... During, or after divorce: an 11-Step guide step 1 Get your divorce decree name modification for reasons. Alter your billing information through their official website change in California in person at your county... If for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order can start a court-ordered name change trouble! Moving out of state Before, during, or after divorce: an 11-Step guide step 1 your... 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