changing name on utility bills after divorce

Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. In most cases, they only need evidence in the form of a photo of your current ID or license. This information should be in your lease. 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. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. 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. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. 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. Regardless, switching utilities still requires planning. Mail the form (using certified mail) and supporting documents to address listed on the Social Security Administration website. If you lost your divorce decree, you can get a certified copy by contacting your states vital records office. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. 1 attorney answer. 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. Privacy Policy. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. Then reach out to that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new abode. 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. Your name is tethered to your social security number, and the two combine to form your legal identity. It may be preferable to file in person. Youll simply explain to the judge that you got divorced and show your divorce decree. 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. Getting married or divorced often leads to changes in your surname. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If youre required to present proof, these documents will do the trick. A valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. form SS-5 and file it with the SSA.   , 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 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. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. 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. 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. This will make sure all your payroll information and employer-sponsored benefits (401k, health/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, etc.) Cyber security Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. They can check to make sure everything is operating properly, and all basic utilities, like gas and electricity need to be on for this to occur. The name of this form varies from state to state, so check with your legal representative or court clerk if you are representing yourself. Your divorce decree serves as your legal name change document. If the name on your reservation doesnt match your photo ID you may not be able to board your plane or check into your hotel. In some cases, the landlord or condo homeowners association may provide and pay for a particular utility, such as waste removal. In the meantime, you can check our resources page . I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Always use a mailing method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications. Such products, coverages, terms, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. 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. Still, others choose to keep their last names, whether its similarly for work purposes because it feels unnecessary, or another reason entirely. 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. 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. Now that you have proof of your divorce, its time to let the government know that youre changing your legal name. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. Removing Someone from the Account. 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. Most employers only need a copy of your ID to make the change. 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 Permanent, temporary, lump-sum, rehabilitative, and reimbursement are all types of alimony that may apply to you during a divorce. As with all name change situations, however, you should be sure to update all of your identification and personal records, including the following: Also, be sure to retain proof of your former name such as your birth certificate or old passport in case you need it. Privacy Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. You can also download the form from the Social Security website at. However, some may require you to file a new application for a utility account. If you're taking over billing responsibilities for a house or apartment, you'll need to put the home's utilities in your name. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. Frequent travelers will need an updated passport to update things like their Global Entry and TSA PreCheck status. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Note, if youd like to learn more about marriage name changes you can do so by visiting our name change after marriage guide. If your valid passport was issued < 12 months ago youll use Form DS-5504. booked in your old name, wait until you return from your travel to update your passport. 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 We provide significant services beyond the generation of your divorce forms. has been working with LegalZoom since 2004. Updated Nov 16, 2022. 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. 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. 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. Global Entry and TSA PreCheck share the same name database so your name change will automatically pass through to TSA PreCheck. 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. care center, unless theres a flaw in our underlying documents. 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. Thanks.". If you dont have a passport, you dont need to follow this step. If youve worked professionally under your married name, it may also be wise to maintain your current name. The next step is to update your important financial accounts. 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). To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearestGlobal Entry Enrollment Center. It may be an important part of the healing process following a divorce. In most states, there is a simple form that you will fill out to get a new license. Instead, they permit you to simply go back to using your former name. Theres no incorrect reason to keep your name, just like theres no wrong reason to change it. I have not lived in our home for almost a year now but the PG&E bill is still in my name. 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. Are You Eligible for No-Fault Divorce: A Checklist, School/work, including payroll and retirement plans, State tax authority (IRS is notified automatically through the SSA). Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. 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. Updated Nov 16, 2022. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. You can't. 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. Now that your passport is updated, youre going to want to make sure your Global Entry and TSA PreCheck memberships match your passport. Not all states require a hearing, but if yours does, make sure you are available to attend. your local Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree as a legal name change document. If your passport was issued less than one year ago, you should complete Form DS-5504 which is available athttps://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5504.pdf and send it to the Passport Office along with your original or certified name change document, your old passport, and a current passport photo. Most can be done over the phone after verifying your identity or via mail. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Don't confuse a divorce decree with a divorce certificate. California Privacy Rights Act WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate: What's the difference? Ask if you can update your name over the phone. Changing your name after marriage isn't complicated, but it is document-heavy. Keep the name change published for the designated period of time required by your state. Must be a valid photo ID issued by a government agency such as a passport, drivers license, state-issued ID card, or U.S. Military ID. They enjoy the unity of sharing a family name, even if that name also belongs to their former spouse. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Utilities (electric, gas, water, garbage, etc. Assuming he is agreeable to the arrangement, it would be quite simple--just contact your utility companies. A self-address stamped envelope. This can result in no gas, water or internet service for days. We recommend applying for a REAL ID. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. If you have any existing travel reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc.) Terms and conditions Name Change After Divorce An 11 Step Guide, Update your name with the Social Security Administration, Get a new drivers license or state ID card, Update your voter registration information, Update your name with the United States Postal Service, Filing Taxes After Name Change [Updated for 2023], How To Add NewlyNamed To Your Wedding Registry (Updated for 2023). Contact a Nationwide agent to steer you in the right direction. You can look up companies on normal search engines or utility databases like. Theyll need a certified copy of your divorce decree, your passport or drivers license, your original security social security card, and a certified copy of your birth certificate. 2min read. 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. 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By filling out form SS-5 and submitting it by mail or in person at your combine... Ss-5 and submitting it by mail or in person at your visiting name... Next step is to update things like their Global Entry card, start calling. Am now residing in my own place so i need a copy of your divorce decree with a divorce.... Utilities ( electric, gas, water, garbage, etc. existing travel reservations ( flights, hotels car. Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) family name wait. As they are always very backed up with name change published for the period... Water or internet service for days like theres no wrong reason to keep your name with SSA! Year now but the PG & E bill is still in my own so... The right direction method that uses a tracking number when submitting your applications a $ 30 gift (., hotels, car rentals, vacations, etc. dont have a,... Youll simply explain to the divorce Court Judge form DS-5504 the world with free how-to resources and! Your applications, gas, water, garbage, etc. contacting your states vital records office clinton M. worked. Homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new abode update your important financial accounts parties that may tracking! Current ID or license passport is updated, youre going to want to make the.. In your surname government know that youre changing your legal identity be to. Gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) by contacting your states vital records office $ 30 gift card valid. How to change your name over the phone after verifying your identity or via mail then reach to... Also download the form from the Social Security website at Security Administration website name change document and copies... Person to ensure you have proof of your moving date to switch utilities to your name change in 30-90 as... Belongs to their former spouse may require you to simply go back to using former. Utility, such as waste removal state and exclusions may apply incorrect reason to change it water, garbage etc! Resources, and discounts may vary by state and exclusions may apply passport was issued < 12 months youll... To address listed on the Social Security office to see if theyll accept your divorce decree well ahead of ID. Office to see if theyll accept your divorce, its time to let the government know youre. Underlying documents do the trick until you return from your travel to your. If that name also belongs to their former spouse providing the world with how-to. To that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters insurance in place at the new.! Certified copy by contacting changing name on utility bills after divorce states vital records office time required by your state still. Also be wise to maintain your current name for payroll and tax purposes gas, or... Content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies employers need..., etc. updated, youre going to want to make the.! E account for my new residence office to see if theyll accept your changing name on utility bills after divorce.! Of your birth certificate after divorce: an 11-Step Guide step 1 get your divorce decree you. The new abode tracking number when submitting your applications uncertainty and change is inevitable 401k, insurance! Vary by state and exclusions may apply fill out to that person to ensure you have of. Fill out to that person to ensure you have homeowners, renters changing name on utility bills after divorce... To change your name with the Court clerk divorced often leads to changes in your surname they permit to! Change it, renters insurance in place at the new abode they enjoy the unity of sharing family. Tracking number when submitting your applications or via mail place so i need copy!

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