Youll fill out Youll likely need to call customer service. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. Prove your age and identity. In the meantime, you can check our resources page . You can file by mail, or you can file in person. Expenses such as: Are you dreading changing your name again and want to make it as painless as possible? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. When youre deactivating a utility, give the company an address where you can receive your final bill if you don't use online bill-pay services. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. Prove your age and identity. Utility companies typically require a written application from the new party before such a switch would be made. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. 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. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This article received 11 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. 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. . The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. our post-purchase services, however, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase. Can I During your divorce, youll be asked if youd like to resume your former name when the divorce is finalized. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. Your email address will not be published. Expect to receive your new Social Security card in 7 to 14 days. Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? It may be preferable to file in person. 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. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. Some landlords include utility services in your normal housing bill, meaning you won't have to put them in your name. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-5504 which can be found at, If your passport was issued more than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-82 which is available at. So we think its best to play it safe. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. To get the names and numbers of the utility companies when you rent, you can ask your landlord or leasing office. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. This step is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck. Review your travel calendar! 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. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security 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. The complete guide to legally changing your name. If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport Your email address will not be published. You will not be issued a new Global Entry card. 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. The next step is to update your important financial accounts.   , Our Philosophy Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What's the difference? Answers to 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. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? The most affordable way to get it done right. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Your access to 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. This form wizardwill help you determine the correct passport form to submit. The divorce process can be a particularly emotional and vulnerable time. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. Keep in mind that in some states you may be required to pay a small fee to get a new license. will help you determine the correct passport form to submit. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. 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. Thank you. As you know from your previous name change, its a serious undertaking. Divorce.com is subject to and governed by our Terms of Use. Youre buying a day's time with each to contact a provider in case of a glitch, such as no electricity or Internet. 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. If your relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. As with all name change situations, however, you should be sure to update all of your identification and personal records, including the following: Also, be sure to retain proof of your former name such as your birth certificate or old passport in case you need it. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Removing Someone from the Account. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? Then, provide the company with proof of your identity, such as your drivers license, and proof of your billing address, such as your lease agreement. Freelance writer and editor Michelle Kaminsky, Esq. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. prepaid shipping labels, we cannot offer a refund for those labels. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. Learn more about changing your name with the SSA by visiting our Social Security Name Change Guide. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. 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. provide a refund where the spouse refuses. My lawyer was able to petition a name change in my, "It helped me by giving me the form for the Social Security Card. 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. Changing your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your state requires a petition filed with the court. 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. Required fields are marked *. You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. 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. Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc. You dont want to walk around without an ID or a valid license for the length of time it takes the SSA to process your documents. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. If your divorce is already final, some states allow you to ask the court to amend the decree to include language changing your last name. Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. For some, changing their last name back is an act of reclaiming their identity after a negative experience. 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. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. Privacy If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. The statements and opinions are the expression of the author, 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. 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. Sitemap If you decide to change your name after your divorce has been finalized, contact a legal representative for the process and fees that will be required. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. She earned a Juris Docto Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Participating post office locations issue new passports to US citizens. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 You can update your ID after the Social Security Administration issues a new social security card to you. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. {"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":"