2min read. Readmore. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. So we think its best to play it safe. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Thanks.". 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 you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. 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. 1 attorney answer. This guide to legally changing your name will help get you started. The combination of your new social security card and your license serves as proof of your legal name change. 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. For example, if you While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. 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. 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. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Accessibility This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Our network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Your new Social Security card. We are not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. Divorce Services Divorce.com does The divorce process can be a particularly emotional and vulnerable time. Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. divorce paperwork. Your last name does not automatically revert to your former or maiden name once you get divorced. You need to update your name with the SSA before you update it anywhere else. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. Among them is switching your utilities. See banking services provided by Axos Bank , See banking services provided by Axos Bank. 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. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. Privacy This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose. % of people told us that this article helped them. You can request a name change by calling the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371. Keep in mind that in some states you may be required to pay a small fee to get a new license. not LegalZoom, and have not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy, Then, file your petition with the court and attend a name change hearing, if its required by your state. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Changing your name after divorce. 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. Prove your age and identity. You will also receive your old passport back with a hole punched through the center along with the documentation you submitted. If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport 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. 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 will not be issued a new Global Entry card. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. 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. You can update your address for free by visiting. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. This information should be in your lease. Youre likely to find places where you need to update your name for several months after your name change is final. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. 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. Finally, fees paid directly She earned a Juris Docto 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. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearestGlobal Entry Enrollment Center. Some parents find that its easier to maintain the same last name as their children. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. 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). Most divorces result in an address change which is why its important to keep your name updated with USPS. In these jurisdictions, so long as you use your former name consistently, you do not need to file anything further with the state. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) 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. Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. 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. At the same time, contact your current insurance agent to stop coverage at your previous home before the new renter or owner occupies it. Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. 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. A self-address stamped envelope. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. 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 article received 11 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. 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. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You may also select it as an option on your official Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. 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. Use this guide to navigate the name change process in Texas. During your divorce, youll be asked if youd like to resume your former name when the divorce is finalized. In the meantime, you can check our resources page . 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. Youll fill out The content is Ask if you can update your name over the phone. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. Theyll update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 1) Joint mortgage payments 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. 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. Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. Lastly, update your name with your service providers. 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. Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. 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. 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. You can start a court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. If your name has been changed in a divorce decree, either originally or amended, be sure to keep a copy of the order as proof of your name change. 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. When comparing prices, keep in mind that some companies charge a flat monthly rate while others bill you based on how much you use their service. Answers to You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in.   , Help Center There are several ways to do a name change. You dont want your packages to arrive in the wrong name, and you dont want to run into any issues if you ever get locked out of your accounts. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. As a bonus, the IRS is automatically notified when your name is updated with the SSA. Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? Your name is tethered to your social security number, and the two combine to form your legal identity. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg\/aid9787411-v4-728px-Put-Utilities-in-Your-Name-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"