Complete end-to-end help from an independent attorney, licensed in your state, with negotiated rates. 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. 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). If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. Your divorce decree serves as the key to making your name change possible. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. 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. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. Once my divorce was finalized, I found method two most helpful. 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. This article has been viewed 299,113 times. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. You should not have to put down a new deposit if you're simply declaring a name change. LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Your first step after youve received your new ID is to contact your bank and credit card companies. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Mail the form (using certified mail) and supporting documents to address listed on the Social Security Administration website. Youll likely need to call customer service. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. However, you may need to pay a processing fee. In some cases, the landlord or condo homeowners association may provide and pay for a particular utility, such as waste removal. 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. If your name is always going to be a painful reminder or carry emotionally unpleasant implications, you may consider changing your name. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license.   , Our Philosophy At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. Moving from one home to another can take a lot of planning, and you may have a long list of tasks to complete. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. You will need to mail in the application along with the required documentation, a color photograph of yourself, and the applicable fees. Your credit card companies will issue you a new card with your current name.   , Help Center ), Loyalty programs (airlines, hotels, retail stores, etc.). "All of the information is useful and concise. 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. 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. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. Keep in mind that if you choose to hire an attorney, you should factor in their fees in the costs. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. This information should be in your lease. 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. Removing Someone from the Account. Theyll use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. 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. A valid passport or your birth certificate. Each name change kit is personalized based on your information and contains step-by-step instructions and forms for your federal documents (Social Security, Passport, etc. Among the many services your insurance agent may provide is assistance when relocating. divorce paperwork. The name of this form varies from state to state, so check with your legal representative or court clerk if you are representing yourself. Terms and conditions Readmore. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. 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. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. Gather necessary documentation that must accompany the form. A self-address stamped envelope. 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 your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. Learn more about changing your name with the SSA by visiting our Social Security Name Change Guide. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. 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. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. 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. Monthly subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, HBO, etc. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. In this case, you will simply need to say that you are changing your name back to your previous name after your divorce. For this reason, we Save time and frustration with NewlyNamed! Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. No appointment is needed so you can just show up during normal business hours. 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. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Communications between you and Divorce.com are governed by our 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. 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. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. 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. 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. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. Updated Nov 16, 2022. Most petitions also ask for a reason why someone wants to change their name. 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. Removing Someone from the Account. {"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":"