", so I wasn't aware that I needed to fill out a petition for a name change. Use only blue or black ink on the "Application for a Social Security Card.". Prove your age and identity. WebTo file a Petition for Change of Name, one must first fill out the necessary forms, which can be completed online or downloaded here. Doctor of Law, University of Wisconsin-Madison. If the company requires it, make a deposit payment for liability purposes and schedule a bill transfer date. ), and all your personal accounts (banks, credit cards, frequent flyer programs, hotel loyalty, investment accounts, nursing license, etc.). 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. If they cant, you can use money orders or cashiers checks until they do. ", 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. Your employer needs your current name for payroll and tax purposes. Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. Your divorce decree serves as the key to making your name change possible. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. Provide your court order and your current driver's license with the form. Now that you have an updated photo ID (drivers license or passport), contact your HR department and inform them of your legal name change. There are several ways to do a name change. The date the judgment of dissolution was filed with the court. You can update your name online (in most states) by visiting vote.govor by downloading aNational Voter Registration Applicationand mailing it in. 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. So we think its best to play it safe. It may be preferable to file in person. If your divorce is finalized and contains a court order changing your name, you can use the order to change your other documents. 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. No matter your reasons for wanting to change your name, find out how to do so here. 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. If you're buying a home, you should be able to get the information from your real estate agent. US Department of States specific instructions for your situation. "All of the information is useful and concise. care center, unless theres a flaw in our underlying documents. If you have not accessed Try changing your name online. 5 Reasons from Laura Wasser. We will call you back as you requested. WebSituation 1: Submit a Request to the Divorce Court Judge. In some cases, this can be straightforward. If your relocation involves moving from one state to another, contact your insurance company for a list of agents in the new region. sure of the facts. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic commercial flight. 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. Turning on utilities requires some work and several calls; one company doesnt provide all the services you may need. WebPlan well ahead of your moving date to switch utilities to your name and new address. The complete guide to legally changing your 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 your passport has been expired for >5 years or youd like to apply for your first passport, youll need to complete Form DS-11. No appointment is needed so you can just show up during normal business hours. Moving to a new home can be one of lifes great adventures if you plan ahead. You should get the necessary name change request form from the court clerk so that your request can be processed. To get the names and numbers of the utility companies when you rent, you can ask your landlord or leasing office. Among them is switching your utilities. How do I transfer a utility bill to another name? These companies often allow name modification for valid reasons. Expect TSA to process your name change in 30-90 days as they are always very backed up with name change requests. 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. The Social Security Administration will officially process your name change. WebChanging your name requires a few simple steps to follow: 1. No, divorce decrees do not expire because its a court order. They may ask you to digitally submit an image of your updated ID card. Most Enrollment Centers are in airports, so we suggest arriving a few hours early to your next flight so you can make the update without having to make two trips. If you have both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, To update your Global Entry card, start by calling your nearest. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. not sell blank forms. If you don't feel like mailing these important documents, you can visit your nearest Social Security office. When a couple goes through a divorce, a certain amount of uncertainty and change is inevitable. divorce paperwork. This can lead to legal issues if that person moves out or if your lease requires you to change the bill over. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. You can request a name change by calling the TSA Help Center at 855-347-8371. Human processing experts to help with your states incredibly confusing state filing process. It is clear to understand and had every single step to do. 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 youd like to get a first-time passport after your name change, you can get a first-time passport 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. In addition, if you're selling a home, leaving the utilities on gives the buyers a chance to do a final walkthrough on their closing date if necessary. 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. You can file by mail, or you can file in person. You dont need to change your name after a divorce, but some people choose to change their names for a variety of reasons. Your credit card companies will issue you a new card with your current name. 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. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Required fields are marked *. I am now residing in my own place so I need a PG&E account for my new residence. Changing the name on your Social Security card is simple as long as you provide the necessary original documents and the required form. Most banks require you to visit a branch location with your updated photo ID and your divorce decree or court order. Removing Someone from the Account. Step 2 Find legal proof of your former name. To find the nearest office, visit Social Security's website at. Read more. 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 you cant call the number on the back of your card. Privacy Policy, but are not covered by the attorney-client privilege. before visiting the DMV to get a new drivers license. Ask if you can update your name over the phone. For example, if you Participating post office locations issue new passports to US citizens. How To Change Your Name After Divorce: An 11-Step Guide Step 1 Get your divorce decree. In addition, we cannot guarantee that a customer's spouse will sign the documents and cannot If you took your spouses name when you got married, you may want to reclaim your former name after your divorce. By using our site, you agree to our. . 4 Make a deposit payment if required. She earned a Juris Docto 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. This step is very important because it can prevent things like tax hiccups and errors with depositing your paycheck. To be sure you turn service on or off precisely when you want, give the utilities at least three weeks of advance notice. You may also get your petition notarized at a bank before returning it the courthouse. Fill out the form in its entirety to avoid processing delays. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Then, they should get the forms reviewed and make copies, before filing the forms with the court clerk. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. We put together this guide to help guide you through your name change after divorce. Even if there isnt an election coming up soon, you should do it at the same time. Mail the form (using certified mail) and supporting documents to address listed on the Social Security Administration website. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. 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. Its your best chance to avoid a long line! 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. Following are the steps to get a new Social Security card: Fill out an application for a new card. 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. 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. 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. 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, or for access to, lawyers or for mediation services are not covered by this guarantee. If you submitted Form SS-5 via mail, wait until you receive your new Social Security card in the mailbefore visiting the DMV. Terms and conditions The company may require additional deposit payments if they have to lend you equipment. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you are in a difficult financial situation, it's possible to get a divorce without paying a dime. 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. At the time you file the petition, make copies for your own records. How To Prepare Yourself, Moving Out of State Before, During, or After Divorce, Why is Divorce So Expensive? 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