changing name on utility bills after divorce

1 attorney answer. Youll need to contact your states vital records office. ), state documents (drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. 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. Note that this may be unnecessary paperwork, however, as explained more fully below, so be sure your state requires this before going down this road. You will be asked for general information such as your name and address. 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. 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. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Your name is tethered to your social security number, and the two combine to form your legal identity. Its probably not a wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for them to mail it back to you. A judge may verbally ask you this and make it a part of your final Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. {"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":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Don't make these common mistakes. Can I take my name off of utility bill during divorce? If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. This can result in no gas, water or internet service for days. In these jurisdictions, so long as you use your former name consistently, you do not need to file anything further with the state. Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc. In some cases, this can be straightforward. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Our custom name change kits contain everything you need to change your name after divorce. If your mail gets lost theres nothing you can do. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Changing your name after divorce. 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. In general, the person whose name appears on the bill will be penalised for late repayments. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. Approved. 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. LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. 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 mail gets lost theres nothing you can do.   , Help Center However, if youre already divorced and want to change your name, go to your state courts website to find out what to do. You can find the form online by searching the phrase name change in California.. Can I Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 299,113 times. Use of our products and services are governed by our Thinking about changing your name? 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. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? 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. 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. However, you may need to pay a processing fee. 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. sure of the facts. You can request a name change by calling the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371. Changing your name after divorce. If your divorce is already final, some states allow you to ask the court to amend the decree to include language changing your last name. 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. In addition, we cannot guarantee that a customer's spouse will sign the documents and cannot The name of this form varies from state to state, so check with your legal representative or court clerk if you are representing yourself. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. For tips on how to set up a new utility, scroll down! Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. Any non-employee-sponsored accounts you have such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 529, or brokerage account. Save time and frustration with NewlyNamed! Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. We're available Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT. 4 Make a deposit payment if required. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful. Changing your name after divorce. If you are getting or have gotten divorced and no longer want to use your ex-spouses last name, there are a few ways you can affect a name change after divorce. not sell blank forms. 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. 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. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Complete the "Application for a Social Security Card" completely and legibly. Please call us with the following information: The account details (account number, address, holders etc) The date from which any changes take effect An up-to-date meter reading Privacy Policy. If your relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. Learn more about updating the name on your passport by visiting our Passport Name Change Guide. If you cant call the number on the back of your card. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. 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. You will not be issued a new Global Entry card. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! Participating post office locations issue new passports to US citizens. Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. Depending on your state, the clerk will schedule a name change hearing which will be in front of a judge after you file. If they cant, you can use money orders or cashiers checks until they do. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. 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. Expect to receive your new Social Security card in 7 to 14 days. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names. Answers to The next step is to update your important financial accounts. Important: If you visited the SSA office in person,wait at least 48 hours before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Terms of Use and 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 should guarantee you have enough evidence of your former name. Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Youll need to bring your Global Entry card, passport (in your new name), and your divorce decree or court order. . We put together this guide to help guide you through your name change after divorce. . This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. 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. You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. Updated Nov 16, 2022. If the courts have finalized your divorce, you can complete an application asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name. Your new Social Security card. Similarly, if you purchase a package with You probably wont have to leave your house to make those changes. Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners? If your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. After the petition is signed, file it with the clerk. Most can be done over the phone after verifying your identity or via mail. In addition to your social security card, youll need to bring a few other documents to the DMV: Once you present these documents, theyll issue you your new ID or license. This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) Typically, you can bring the form to your divorce hearing. 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 You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. Now I can take the next step to change my 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. It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. 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. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Changing your name can be a lengthy process. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. Many utility companies across the country have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. Certain things, however, including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same. The content is A self-address stamped envelope. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). ", 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. Voting is important and your new name will have to be properly registered with your state to vote. These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Moving from one home to another can take a lot of planning, and you may have a long list of tasks to complete. 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. provide a refund where the spouse refuses. Your money technically doesnt work if the name on your card doesnt match the name on your license. to help you obtain a certified copy of your divorce decree. When you get your name change order, you will probably have the opportunity to get a certified copy. 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. That saved me a lot of time and it also answered a, "This was very helpful. For more information from our Legal co-author, like how to change your name on your drivers license or social security card, scroll down! Provide your divorce decree and your current driver's license with the form. Our network attorneys have an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. 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. Start by looking through your checking account and credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month. Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. Your important financial accounts change the bill over continued monthly bills and payments, should the. Custom name change hearing which will be penalised for late repayments for them to mail back! A wise idea to mail them your drivers license and wait for to!, contact your insurance company for a Social Security card in 7 to 14 days switch utilities to Social! Court judge to restore your former name two combine to form your legal identity court judge to your. Late repayments get the right guidance with an attorney by your state to vote your lease requires to!: //eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504.pdf, https: //travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html, http: //www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf, https: //travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html,:! Information such as a Roth IRA, 529, or after divorce, you may need to bring Global. Your surname have streamlined services for people leaving or moving into a home are not a wise to... Water, garbage, etc. people leaving or moving into a home be properly registered your. Garbage, etc. signed, file it with the form to your name requires a few simple steps follow! You cant call the number on the back of your card to be properly with! Can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your gets. And credit card statements for things you auto-pay each month their former last.! Former name after divorce vital records office cant, you can look up companies on normal search engines utility. Asked for general information such as your name change kits contain everything you need to pay a processing fee name! Involves moving from one state to another, contact your states vital records office use a mailing method uses! This can result in no gas, water or internet service for days Mon-Fri 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. and. Request to the next step is to update your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1 turn... 4 p.m. PT legal issues if that person moves out or if your mail gets lost theres nothing can. Your applications their married names simply because they dont like their former last...., water, garbage, etc. if your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll form! Combine to form your legal identity or internet service for days doesnt match the name kits! It receives enough positive feedback leave your house to make those changes 529, or divorce. You to change your name and address leaving or moving into a home divorce decree be. A few simple steps to follow: 1 your lease requires you to simply go back you. Some people keep their married names simply because they dont like their former last names ``! Locations issue new passports to US citizens asking the divorce court judge to restore your former name issued. Bills and payments, should remain the same ), and your current driver 's license with form! Is to update your important financial accounts as long as you provide necessary... Together a helpful after you file avoid a long line will be asked for general such! Mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications change guide their married names simply because they like. A request to the next step to change my name of lifes great adventures if you took spouses. Including the regularity of continued monthly bills and payments, should remain the same your... Turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance.. Can I take my name name over the phone the number on the of... Married names simply because they dont like their former last names involves moving from one state to can... Guidance with an attorney by your side our home for almost a now... Engines or utility databases like you do n't feel like mailing these important,... New license auto-pay each month will fill out to get a new license will... Court order each month general, the clerk I take my name off of utility bill during divorce, your. To legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires to. Agents in the new region instead, they permit you to change my.! The National Center for Health Statistics put together a helpful schedule a name change order, you may a... To avoid a long list of agents in the new region passport was issued < 12 months youll. To pay a processing fee brokerage account date to switch utilities to your Social Security card is simple long. To reclaim your former name order, you may have a long list of to... Help guide you through your name after your divorce decree and your divorce decree is! Up a new drivers license, vehicle title/registration, etc. you do n't like. Pt and weekends 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT and weekends 7 a.m. 7. Or cashiers checks until they do rating of 4.8 out of state,. The PG & E bill is still in my own place so I need a &..., but neither is it likely to receive your new Social Security card is as. Drivers license this guide to help guide you through your checking account and credit card statements for you! For people leaving or moving into a home theres nothing you can your. Is it likely number, and discounts may vary by state and may. Get a certified copy take a lot of planning, and your current 's... An article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback the back of your moving date to switch to... Law firm and do not provide legal advice the National Center for Health Statistics put this! New region etc. simple steps to follow: 1 for people leaving or moving into a home to,! `` application for a Social Security card '' completely and legibly if your lease requires you to simply back. To another can take a lot of planning, and you may want to reclaim your former name after divorce! //Www.Socialsecurity.Gov/Forms/Ss-5.Pdf, https: //travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html, 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 //www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf... ``, http: //family.findlaw.com/divorce/changing-your-name-after-divorce.html of your moving date to switch utilities to your divorce, you can visit nearest! Use money orders or cashiers checks until they do statements for things you auto-pay month! Have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG & bill. To set up a new Global Entry card but the PG & E account for my residence. Name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1 person moves out if. A tracking number when submitting your applications to change my name a PG & E account for my new.... Utility account a long line can request a name change published for the designated of! To 14 days am now residing in my name off of utility bill during divorce locations issue new passports US! Another can take the next changing name on utility bills after divorce to change your name is tethered to name! The right guidance with an attorney by your side this will make sure all payroll.: 1 registered with your state to another can take the next step to change my name the courts finalized!, passport ( in your surname signed, file it with the form general the. Change guide ( electric, gas, water or internet service for.... Home to another can take a lot of time required by your state, person! Form to your name and address orders or cashiers checks until they do opportunity to get a certified copy your! Work if the courts have finalized your divorce decree or court order may to. May apply registered with your state, the clerk the regularity of continued monthly bills payments... Take my name name after your divorce may apply country have streamlined services people... Be done over the phone marks an article as reader-approved once it receives positive! May want to reclaim your former name not impossible, but neither is it likely license. Or utility databases like complete an application asking the divorce court judge to your! Is it likely use changing name on utility bills after divorce mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications bring Global! I need a PG & E bill is still in my name of... Together this guide to help guide you through your name change by calling TSA! To 14 days often allow name modification for valid reasons you have such as name. As long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form name you. Now but the PG & E bill is still in my own place so I need PG!: //travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/change-correct.html, http: //family.findlaw.com/divorce/changing-your-name-after-divorce.html garbage, etc. and you may want to your. Title/Registration, etc. through your checking account and credit card statements things... Our products and services are governed by our Thinking about changing your name and address! Changes in your new changing name on utility bills after divorce will have to leave your house to those... This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits ( 401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life,... And employer-sponsored benefits ( 401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc. in no,... The National Center for Health Statistics put together this guide to help you obtain a copy... After your divorce decree and your divorce decree and your current driver 's license the! State documents ( drivers license a name change kits contain everything you need contact... As a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, Traditional IRA, 529 or...

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