If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. 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. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. 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. My lawyer was able to petition a name change in my, "It helped me by giving me the form for the Social Security Card. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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. In some cases, the landlord or condo homeowners association may provide and pay for a particular utility, such as waste removal. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Provide your court order and your current driver's license with the form. Your request has been successfully submitted. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. 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. Youll fill out Cyber security 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. During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. % of people told us that this article helped them. Many utility companies across the country have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home. Divorce.com does Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. The content is The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose. Can I If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. 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. Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What's the difference? 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 This guide to legally changing your name will help get you started. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Terms and conditions 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 nearest SSA office. You can't. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Frequent travelers will need an updated passport to update things like their Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. However, you may need to pay a processing fee. We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. How much money does it cost to change a name? That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. 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. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-5504 which is available athttps://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504.pdf and send it to the Passport Office along with your original or certified name change document, your old passport, and a current passport photo. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. Monthly subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, HBO, etc. 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. Your original Social Security card. 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). Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. You may also select it as an option on your official Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. The advice on pro bono representation is a great relief to me, and I'm sure for others as well, who also need aid. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. 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. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. . form SS-5 and file it with the SSA. 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. using our site are just some of the valuable services we provide. This information should be in your lease. 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. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. By using our site, you agree to our. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. . Your name is an established part of your brand, and if you change your name, it may hurt your brand recognition. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. 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). Some companies may require additional documents as well to verify your credit history or employment status. with a court, we cannot refund the fees to you. provide a refund where the spouse refuses. 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. Callyour local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. For this reason, we Updated Nov 16, 2022. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. 1 attorney answer. As a bonus, the IRS is automatically notified when your name is updated with the SSA. Then, you need to turn them on at your new dwelling ideally prior to the arrival of the moving van. At Divorce.com, we care about our customers and stand by the quality of our Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Changing your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your state requires a petition filed with the court. How to Lower Your Sewer (and Water) Bill: Useful Tips & Tricks. Youll likely need to call customer service. 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. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. {"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":"