www.deboradiazlaw.com How to Change My Name in Florida After Divorce
Going through a divorce is always a tough thing to handle, and it is probably one of the most stressful events you will ever go through in your life. Even after the divorce is finalized, you still have to deal with restoring your maiden name if you desire, and the process can be tedious. Here are a few steps to take to change your name and make the process a bit easier:
- Name Change Order
If you decide to legally change your name in the state of Florida, make sure you request that your name be restored in your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Even if it was not requested in the initial pleadings the Petition may be able to be amended to request the restoration of your former name. At the Final Hearing, the court will ask some statutory questions to ensure that the request for the name change is not for an illegal purpose. Once the name change is granted your restored name will be in your Final Judgment (Order). The Final Judgment serves as proof of identification and proof of age to be able to change and use your restored name. You will need several certified copies of the Final Judgment to provide government entities, banks, and other institutions.
- Social Security Card
Changing your name with the Social Security Administration is one of the most important steps of this process. Make sure to take a certified copy of the Name Change Order you were given from the court. After this, you only have to wait for your new Social Security Card to arrive in the mail. Once you receive it, you can continue with your name change process.
3.Other Documents
You will have to let other institutions and agencies know of your name change. Every institution will have its own procedure to follow. To name a few:
Driver’s License – One of the most important documents to acquire is your driver’s license. You will have to physically go to the Tax Collector’s Office and bring proper identification to get everything done.
Voter Registration Card – Make sure you can vote when needed by changing your voter registration. To update the name on your existing voter registration, you will have to submit a certified copy of the Court Order.
Insurance – Make sure to notify all of your insurance companies (life, auto, home, health, dental, etc.). For some, you can start the process over the phone or online, and you will need a copy of the Court Order.
Your Employer – You will have to provide a copy of the Court Order to your employer so they can make the necessary changes to your logins, email, paychecks, and other information with your name.
Financial Institutions – Don’t forget that you need to inform your financial institutions ( bank, credit card company, IRA, and 401k) of your name change, so call, contact them online, or go complete this process in person.
Housing – If you rent, you will have to notify your landlord, and if you own your place, you will have to update your mortgage information. A copy of the Court Order may be necessary, so have it with you.
Service Providers – This can be a long list of people to inform of your name change and may include doctors, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, utilities, magazines, and more.
If you would like to discuss the specifics of your divorce or paternity case or need help with changing your name, call Debora A. Diaz Esquire at 727-846-1802 to schedule a consultation or use the Scheduling Link: https://deboradiazlawscheduling.as.me/.
Debora A. Diaz is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.
At this time, all consultations are by telephone or video conferencing in order to protect our staff and clients. Attorney Diaz practices exclusively in divorce and family law in Florida.