Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. If you use both, updating your Global Entry information will also change your PreCheck status; you dont need to update them separately. Every divorce is different, but in general, a divorce decree is issued by the court as a final summary of your divorce. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. 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. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Its relatively easy to update your name with the power company or your cell phone service provider. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. 2min read. 1 attorney answer. 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. Youll receive a Social Security card in the mail in about two weeks with your new name. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. 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. Last Updated: September 22, 2021 If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. 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. 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. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. 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. So we think its best to play it safe. divorce decree. This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. % of people told us that this article helped them. Your credit card companies will issue you a new card with your current name. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. , Help Center Your divorce decree serves as the key to making your name change possible. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. You will also receive your old passport back with a hole punched through the center along with the documentation you submitted. Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. In most states, youll be required to fill out a name change petition, and get it notarized by the court or at your bank. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? You can update your ID after the Social Security Administration issues a new social security card to you. 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. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. If not, youll need to petition for a court-ordered name change. completeness, or changes in the law. Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online everything you need to change your name after divorce. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take? 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. Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. through the United States Postal Service. 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 they cant, you can use money orders or cashiers checks until they do. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. Sitemap If not, youll need to petition for a court-ordered name change. A self-address stamped envelope. If you are in a difficult financial situation, it's possible to get a divorce without paying a dime. Contact a Nationwide agent to steer you in the right direction. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. services, including our post-purchase questionnaires, forms, instructions, and customer We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article has been viewed 299,113 times. You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! You may want to start a new chapter in your life, or perhaps you were already using your maiden name for work purposes even while you were married. WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. Changing your name after divorce. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. This step is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck. Changing your name after divorce. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. 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. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. Your current drivers license or ID card. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. 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. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. Keep in mind that in some states you may be required to pay a small fee to get a new license. If you're moving into a new house or apartment, try to schedule the utility service so it starts 1 or 2 days before you arrive. Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. Product, coverage, discounts, insurance terms, definitions, and other descriptions are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in your individual insurance contracts, policies, and/or declaration pages from Nationwide-affiliated underwriting companies, which are controlling. Prove your age and identity. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. 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. "All of the information is useful and concise. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. 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. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. Some states dont require any paperwork at all when changing your name after divorce. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? 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. 1) Joint mortgage payments At Divorce.com, we care about our customers and stand by the quality of our 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. To get the names and numbers of the utility companies when you rent, you can ask your landlord or leasing office. After you file, the clerk will tell you your next steps. first 30 days of purchase if you're unhappy with our services. Did you just get divorced and want to change your last name back to your maiden name? Terms and conditions Approved. Then, you need to turn them on at your new dwelling ideally prior to the arrival of the moving van. It may be an important part of the healing process following a divorce. Changing your name can be a lengthy process. You may not need documents with your former name on them. You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. 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 waited 48 hours after changing your name with the SSA, you can bring your old Social Security card and a copy of the receipt the SSA gave you verifying your name change. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. are in your new name. If your divorce is finalized and contains a court order changing your name, you can use the order to change your other documents. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. 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. It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. 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. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpfulstate-by-state guideto help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. By Divorce.com staff Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. Updated Nov 16, 2022. If youre not a U.S. Citizen you can bring your valid foreign passport with a valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form, or a Certificate of Naturalization. They may deny your request to update your name via email/fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. 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. Prove your age and identity. How much money does it cost to change a name? We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. not sell blank forms. Utility companies typically require a written application from the new party before such a switch would be made. 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. How to Lower Your Sewer (and Water) Bill: Useful Tips & Tricks. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. A valid passport or your birth certificate. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. It may be preferable to file in person. We will call you back as you requested. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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 your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, 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. 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 your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. A self-address stamped envelope. 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