You will be asked for general information such as your name and address. Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. In some cases, this can be straightforward. 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. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. Some companies may require additional documents as well to verify your credit history or employment status. Your old social security card, your birth certificate, and other official documents youve had since before you were married can serve as proof of your former name. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. Your Social Security number wont change. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. 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. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. 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. This information should be in your lease. 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. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. 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. 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. Theyll update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company. Best of luck with your name change after divorce! WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. sure of the facts. If you have not accessed You will also receive your old passport back with a hole punched through the center along with the documentation you submitted. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. You should get the necessary name change request form from the court clerk so that your request can be processed. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. 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. Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. Complete the "Application for a Social Security Card" completely and legibly. 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. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 Privacy Policy. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. They may deny your request to update your name via email/fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. Every divorce is different, but in general, a divorce decree is issued by the court as a final summary of your divorce. That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. Some parents find that its easier to maintain the same last name as their children. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. "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. If you havent already, make sure you update your name with online shopping services and streaming services. Can I US Department of States specific instructions for your situation. Keep in mind that if you choose to hire an attorney, you should factor in their fees in the costs. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. 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. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. See banking services provided by Axos Bank , See banking services provided by Axos Bank. 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. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mail. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Youll receive a Social Security card in the mail in about two weeks with your new name. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Your request has been successfully submitted. not legal advice. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. through the United States Postal Service. You can update your address for free by visitingmoversguide.usps.com. 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. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. If youre not a U.S. Citizen you can bring your valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form, or a Certificate of Naturalization. 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. Privacy Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? 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. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? In most states, youll be required to fill out a name change petition, and get it notarized by the court or at your bank. If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. 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 wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. This article received 11 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. 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. 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. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. 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 Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? A valid passport or your birth certificate. If your relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. 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 % of people told us that this article helped them. We put together this guide to help guide you through your name change after divorce. Terms and conditions 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. Now youre going to want to update your passport to match your new name. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. 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. The most affordable way to get it done right. 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. It may be an important part of the healing process following a divorce. A self-address stamped envelope. Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. 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. My lawyer was able to petition a name change in my, "It helped me by giving me the form for the Social Security Card. Your email address will not be published. 1) Joint mortgage payments Divorce Services Divorce.com does This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. 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. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. The content is Thinking about changing your 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. Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. 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). Updated Nov 16, 2022. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. 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. 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. By Divorce.com staff 5 Reasons from Laura Wasser. Required fields are marked *. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer Updated Nov 16, 2022. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. 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. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. 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