WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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). Theres no incorrect reason to keep your name, just like theres no wrong reason to change it. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. 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 Changing your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your state requires a petition filed with the court. Your current drivers license or ID card. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? If you use checks, your bank may be able to print you a sheet of checks to use until your new checks arrive in the mail. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. "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. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. alimony payments or child support payments in your new name, its important to have the information updated with your bank as soon as possible. Youll likely need to call customer service. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Many utility companies across the country have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home. You will need to email or fax your legal name change document (divorce decree or court order), passport, Known Traveler Number, and a unique code the TSA agent gives you over the phone. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. not sell blank forms. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. Enjoy! If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. What if a bill is put into my name without permission? 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. 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 Follow the 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. Most Enrollment Centers are in airports, so we suggest arriving a few hours early to your next flight so you can make the update without having to make two trips. 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. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. Youll need to bring the following documents to your DMV office: Learn more about the pros and cons of REAL IDs by visiting our REAL ID Guide. If you dont have a passport, you dont need to follow this step. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website.   , US Department of States specific instructions for your situation, Proof of address (like official mail in your name with your residential address on it), A certified or original copy of your divorce decree, Proof of United States citizenship (like a passport or certified birth certificate). A self-address stamped envelope. Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearest. 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. 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. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. 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. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. 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. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. ", divorce decree. 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. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. 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. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you attempt to make a purchase, it may be incorrectly flagged as fraud or theft. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. 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. During this time, the company representative may require you to create an online billing account. 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. 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 necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. Last Updated: July 22, 2020 If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Lastly, update your name with your service providers. Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. This article has been viewed 299,113 times. Some states dont require any paperwork at all when changing your name after divorce. with a court, we cannot refund the fees to you. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc. Most employers only need a copy of your ID to make the change. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. 5 Reasons from Laura Wasser. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. completeness, or changes in the law. Your original Social Security card. In addition, we cannot guarantee that a customer's spouse will sign the documents and cannot Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Application for Social Security Card | SSA, Passport Application & Passport Renewal | USPS, How to Negotiate a Divorce Settlement With Your Spouse, Moving After Divorce: A Comprehensive Checklist, What Is a Divorce Deposition? The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. . Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. Most can be done over the phone after verifying your identity or via mail. Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? Read more. Any non-employee-sponsored insurance policies that you have such as Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability, Business, etc. Try changing your name online. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. 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. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. 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. purchase the electronic filing of your documents, complete the documents, and we pay to file 1) Joint mortgage payments That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. By using our site, you agree to our. 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. ", http://www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf, https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504.pdf, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html, http://family.findlaw.com/divorce/changing-your-name-after-divorce.html. Your updated passport will arrive in 6-8 weeks so plan accordingly. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. For this reason, we Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. {"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":"