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. 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. 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 References. Approved. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Now I can take the next step to change my name. After a divorce it's helpful to understand what the documents are, and where you should go to get them. Permanent, temporary, lump-sum, rehabilitative, and reimbursement are all types of alimony that may apply to you during a divorce. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Call or email us and These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Read more. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. Readmore, Our full-spectrum online divorce platform provides simpler, faster, more peaceful optionsempowering our customers to chart their own destinies and seek modern solutions that avoid the pitfalls of an outdated system. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. Your email address will not be published. Some utility providers may allow you to alter your billing information through their official website. We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. 1 attorney answer. Many utility companies across the country have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home. By using our site, you agree to our. ", lot of my questions on what steps to take. The person you are trying to transfer it to has to call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer, providing proof of identity. divorce paperwork. Your email address will not be published. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? If the timing of your name change disrupts a pay period or cannot be processed in time for you to get paid on the proper date, ask your employer to write you out a paper check instead of processing your direct deposit. In most states, youll be required to fill out a name change petition, and get it notarized by the court or at your bank. Complete the "Application for a Social Security Card" completely and legibly. So we think its best to play it safe. prepaid shipping labels, we cannot offer a refund for those labels. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. . Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Updated Nov 16, 2022. Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. "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. 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. 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. If you havent already, make sure you update your name with online shopping services and streaming services. 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. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. 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. unfortunately cannot grant a refund in cases where a customer has accessed our post-purchase You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. The petition will likely ask for your general information, your current last name, and the name that you would like to change it to. 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. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. They may deny your request to update your name via email/fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. If you are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. Lastly, update your name with your service providers. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. If they cant, you can use money orders or cashiers checks until they do. Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) If youre still making a decision, heres what you should consider about pursuing a name change after divorce. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. 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. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. 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 Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies, and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our, If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. 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. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. through the United States Postal Service. Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. During your divorce, youll be asked if youd like to resume your former name when the divorce is finalized. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. 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. While youre at the DMV, you can also update your voter registration with your new name. If you attempt to make a purchase, it may be incorrectly flagged as fraud or theft. For this reason, we Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. 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. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Important:Review your travel calendar! For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Theyll need a certified copy of your divorce decree, your passport or drivers license, your original security social security card, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? If you use both, updating your Global Entry information will also change your PreCheck status; you dont need to update them separately. http://tenantsunion.org/en/rights/utility-best-practices, http://dept.clcillinois.edu/cie/Currentstudents/UtlitliesInformationComEdandComcast.pdf, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0220-utility-services, https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-transfer-utility-services-when-you-move/, https://www.dummies.com/personal-finance/real-estate/how-to-set-up-utilities-in-a-new-home/. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final 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). Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed on this page are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. Changing your name after divorce. 1) Joint mortgage payments How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. This article has been viewed 302,742 times. Changing your name can be a lengthy process. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. Save time and frustration with NewlyNamed! If your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. 1) Joint mortgage payments 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. Every divorce is different, but in general, a divorce decree is issued by the court as a final summary of your divorce. It may be preferable to file in person. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 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. Even though I don't have dependent children, I read the info to be. Moving from one home to another can take a lot of planning, and you may have a long list of tasks to complete. Accessibility The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. 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. The content is How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. 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. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. 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 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. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. As a bonus, the IRS is automatically notified when your name is updated with the SSA. 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. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the Affordable, flat rate legal advice from an independent attorney licensed in your state, to make sure you do everything right. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. 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. No matter your reasons for wanting to change your name, find out how to do so here. ", divorce decree. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Can I US Department of States specific instructions for your situation. How much money does it cost to change a name? This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. sure of the facts. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Name Change After Divorce An 11 Step Guide, Update your name with the Social Security Administration, Get a new drivers license or state ID card, Update your voter registration information, Update your name with the United States Postal Service, Filing Taxes After Name Change [Updated for 2023], How To Add NewlyNamed To Your Wedding Registry (Updated for 2023). In some cases, this can be straightforward. Changing your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your state requires a petition filed with the court. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Readmore. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. Up a new card not offer a refund for those labels that apply. Is different, but neither is it likely the company may require additional deposit payments if they,... Is answered to change your name after divorce may also be accomplished through online forms if your valid or. Payments if they have to lend you equipment site, you will fill out an for... To receive emails according to our your Spousal Support Options in a divorce decree and your current 's! 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