changing name on utility bills after divorce

WebHow to Change the Name on a Utility Bill Name Change on Marriage or Divorce. ), state documents (drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. A self-address stamped envelope. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. 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. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. 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. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Obtain an "Application for a Social Security Card" form at your nearest Social Security office. Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. The divorce process can be a particularly emotional and vulnerable time. 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 Use of our products and services are governed by our Theyll update your name in their system before you receive your card, so your ability to make purchases online with your credit card shouldnt be affected. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Lastly, update your name with your service providers. You can't. In most states, youll be required to fill out a name change petition, and get it notarized by the court or at your bank. You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. Follow the You can call your utility company and explain the reason for the name change. You can update your address for free by visiting. we'll process your refund. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. Your old social security card, your birth certificate, and other official documents youve had since before you were married can serve as proof of your former name. Youll receive a Social Security card in the mail in about two weeks with your new name. Required fields are marked *. Expect to receive your new Social Security card in 7 to 14 days. 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. However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. Must contain your full name and address. If you decide to change your name after your divorce has been finalized, contact a legal representative for the process and fees that will be required. There are several ways to do a name change. 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. Youll need to update your name with the SSA by filling out Form SS-5 and submitting it by mail or in person at your nearest SSA office. Theyll update your information within their internal payroll process or with their payroll processing company. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. 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. We cannot provide refunds for fees we collect on behalf of third parties. provide a refund where the spouse refuses. Can I Though doing so may sound complicated, the process is actually quite simple once you know all the steps. 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. So we think its best to play it safe. Getting Divorced,divorce without a lawyer, Learn about divorce online with Divorce.com, The Divorce (R)evolution Will Not Be TelevisedItll Be Online If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. 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. Putting your electric bill in a persons name without their permission amounts to identity theft, with slight differences when ex-spouses are involved. 1 attorney answer. 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. It might save you a lot of trouble later on, and updating your voter registration only takes a minute or two. Finally, fees paid directly Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. 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. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. You can start a court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. If you attempt to make a purchase, it may be incorrectly flagged as fraud or theft. 2min read. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearest. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. We put together this guide to help guide you through your name change after divorce. Every divorce is different, but in general, a divorce decree is issued by the court as a final summary of your divorce. You can start a. court-ordered name change by contacting your county clerks office. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! The court rarely denies name change petitions if someone is resuming their former name after a divorce. Most require you to call customer service and mail in supporting documentation. The next step is to update your important financial accounts. As long as your name is correct with the government and the financial institutions you work with, the small things you may forget (like your online shopping accounts) are unlikely to cause any serious issues. This information should be in your lease. If you received the card in the mail, you can go to the DMV the same day it arrives. For example, if you 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. 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. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. They may deny your request to update your name via email/fax and ask you to visit an enrollment center. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. Costs for a name change vary in each state and not all counties within a state charge the same. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. No matter your reasons for wanting to change your name, find out how to do so here. Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. If necessary, publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name and go to your court hearing. ", 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. To change your name on your drivers license, you should go to your local DMV with your divorce decree. form SS-5 and file it with the SSA. Thinking about changing your name? Your original Social Security card. Frequent travelers will need an updated passport to update things like their Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. Any non-employee-sponsored insurance policies that you have such as Auto, Homeowners, Life, Disability, Business, etc. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. 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. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? Note: TSA has been inconsistent with name changes so be patient. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Call or email us and Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. 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. will help you determine the correct passport form to submit. Your email address will not be published. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. ", so I wasn't aware that I needed to fill out a petition for a name change. Theyll use these documents to verify your identity when they process your name change. Learn more about changing your name with the SSA by visiting our Social Security Name Change Guide. 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 relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. If not, you will need to visit an Enrollment Center in person. If you are filling out the form on your own, the court clerk can assist you if you have any questions or concerns. 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. Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. 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. Your request has been successfully submitted. Youll need to update your name with the SSA by filling out Form SS-5 and submitting it by mail or in person at your. 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. Learn how and where to submit your documents and form after you've legally changed your name. Review your travel calendar! Your access to Prove your age and identity. first 30 days of purchase if you're unhappy with our services. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. 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. 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. You may not need documents with your former name on them. Changing your name after divorce. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. 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. If your divorce is not yet final, one of the easiest ways to reclaim your maiden name is to ask the judge presiding over your divorce to restore your former name within the divorce decree. 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. "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. Contact a Nationwide agent to steer you in the right direction. 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 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. 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. Did you just get divorced and want to change your last name back to your maiden name? 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/. 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. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. As you know from your previous name change, its a serious undertaking. Then, file your petition with the court and attend a name change hearing, if its required by your state. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. % of people told us that this article helped them. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) 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. She earned a Juris Docto booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport.   , Our Philosophy As a bonus, the IRS is automatically notified when your name is updated with the SSA. If youve worked professionally under your married name, it may also be wise to maintain your current name. All of the above assumes that you would like to revert to using your former name after divorce. Participating post office locations issue new passports to US citizens. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. 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. This article has been viewed 302,742 times. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. 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. 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. 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. 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. What Are Your Spousal Support Options in a Divorce? If youre considering getting a divorce, you may benefit from getting a no-fault divorce, which is usually easier and faster. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. Is it possible my tenant switched the CMP account from her name to mine without my knowledge or permission? Can I not LegalZoom, and have not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy, If you are in a difficult financial situation, it's possible to get a divorce without paying a dime. using our site are just some of the valuable services we provide. Youre buying a day's time with each to contact a provider in case of a glitch, such as no electricity or Internet. An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or court order. If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. 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. It all comes down to a matter of personal preference. 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. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! If you havent already, make sure you update your name with online shopping services and streaming services. If you have a valid passport that was issued >12 months ago, youll use Form DS-82. If you're moving to a new place, call the utility company before you leave to make sure everything's been transferred over successfully. servicesso well refund our fees on divorce services, other than the activation fee, within the Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. our post-purchase services, however, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchase. not legal advice. 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). Last Updated: July 22, 2020 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. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). {"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":"