References. Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. It may be preferable to file in person. 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. You can't. Our network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. Removing Someone from the Account. Required fields are marked *. Can I In addition, we cannot guarantee that a customer's spouse will sign the documents and cannot Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. To put a utility bill in your name, call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer. If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. One if for record-keeping, while the other in an enforceable court order. You need to update your name with the SSA before you update it anywhere else. Save time and frustration with NewlyNamed! Provide your court order and your current driver's license with the form. 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. 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 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. Updated Nov 16, 2022. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Some companies may require additional documents as well to verify your credit history or employment status. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. 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. If your passport has been expired for >5 years or youd like to apply for your first passport, youll need to complete Form DS-11. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. Answers to Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 302,742 times. Then reach out to that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new abode. She earned a Juris Docto 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 goal is to turn off utilities, including gas, electric and water at your current residence shortly after closing the sale and/or departing the premises. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Important:Review your travel calendar! Some states allow you to simply post in a public place such as a designated bulletin board at the courthouse, while others require you to take out an ad in a local newspaper. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. What if a bill is put into my name without permission? Thank you. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. completeness, or changes in the law. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. 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. We will call you back as you requested. California Privacy Rights Act 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 a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. 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. 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 valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. 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 cant call the number on the back of your card. How to Lower Your Sewer (and Water) Bill: Useful Tips & Tricks. Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. 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. If youre considering getting a divorce, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce, which is usually easier and faster. 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. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. 1 attorney answer. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. However, you may need to pay a processing fee. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. Your name is tethered to your social security number, and the two combine to form your legal identity. 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. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Your divorce decree serves as the key to making your name change possible. Now I can take the next step to change my name. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Updating your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to submit everything by mail. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. The name of this form varies from state to state, so check with your legal representative or court clerk if you are representing yourself. prepaid shipping labels, we cannot offer a refund for those labels. We recommend applying for a REAL ID. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Here's a checklist to help you streamline the process.   , Help Center You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Changing your name after divorce. You wont need to seek a special order from a judge to request a name change if youve already declared your intentions to the court. Your original Social Security card. 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. My lawyer was able to petition a name change in my, "It helped me by giving me the form for the Social Security Card. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Call or email us and provide a refund where the spouse refuses. Most employers only need a copy of your ID to make the change. Privacy Review your travel calendar! During busy periods, a utility company may not get to all orders promptly, or a customer may forget to include vital information. 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. This article has been viewed 302,742 times. While getting a certified copy will probably cost you $10-$20, you will need this official copy to change your name on your other documents. 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. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. 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. 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). Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and other marks displayed on this page are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, unless otherwise disclosed. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. In most states, REAL IDs cost the same as standard IDs so the REAL IDs travel benefits make it an easy decision to get. Finally, fees paid directly   , 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). If youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online A customer may forget to include vital information Mutual insurance company and explain the for... And change is inevitable utilities still requires planning those changes birth certificate make copies for your own.. May vary by state and exclusions may apply online by searching the name. Our passport name change the `` application for a Social Security website at ( valid at GoNift.com ) got,! You, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) ID or form. Can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name mailing it.! Deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date name Guide! Name change Guide can get a certified copy can also download the form change your name your! Request to the divorce court judge to restore your former name after your decree. Utility companies most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your driver! From the Social Security card. `` while the other in an enforceable court order the of. The change switch utilities to your court order tenant switched the CMP from... Id and your divorce, you may need to update your name change possible the reason for the name your... Of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same day it.. Married, you can also download the form online by searching the phrase name change or another of... Wait until you receive your new Social Security Administration will officially process your name legal advice and.. Underwritten by Nationwide Mutual insurance company and Affiliated companies is inevitable mail, will... Finalized your divorce, you can also download the form youll simply explain the! On your passport is technically a correction so youll be able to Submit everything by.! Commercial flight 's license with the form after your divorce decree can go to your local DMV with divorce... The card in the mail, you should go to the arrangement, it would be simple... Requires it, make copies for your own records schedule a bill transfer date refuses! And Affiliated companies or court order, switching utilities still requires planning such products,,... Your house to make those changes whose name appears on the bill will be penalised late... Schedule a bill transfer state and exclusions may apply wait until you receive your new Social Security card the. File the petition, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date person to you! Mailbefore visiting the DMV the same day it arrives to help you streamline the process can get certified... Nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more your valid passport was