The Importance of Keeping Your Divorce Decree in NY
To learn more about why a divorce decree is so important in New York, read on and reach out to our skilled Nassau County divorce attorney today. We are here to help.
Why might I need my divorce decree?
One thing you will always want to hold on to is your divorce decree. This is an official document that grants your divorce. It is very important that you save this document and keep it safe, as you are likely to need it for more than one post-judgment matter. Some of the most typical situations you will need it to include the following:
1. Reestablish your maiden name
Once you are divorced, if you would like to resume your maiden name, the divorce decree will be the document that permits you to do so. The judge will ask you about your preferences in resuming your maiden name. Finally, once a judge sees that it is an appropriate request, he or she will sign the divorce judgment that will include the full name you would like to resume, the last four digits of your social security number, and your birth date. Once you have the sealed document, you can go to the Social Security office to begin the process of switching your name back. You will have to use this document not only at Social Security, but also at the DMV, and to obtain an updated passport. You may also need it to change your name on your credit cards, even though many times the credit card companies will acquire a photocopy of the divorce decree.
2. Refinance a home
If you are keeping the marital residence following a divorce, you will likely have to refinance the home in order to remove your former spouse’s name and obligation from the mortgage. To be able to do so, most mortgage lenders will ask to see the divorce decree as evidence that you are actually divorced and not trying to pull the wool over an unsuspecting spouse’s eyes. Your lender may also want to see your Marital Settlement Agreement to determine if any clear terms must be met prior to funding your loan.
3. Re-marry
If you decide to take the dive and re-marry, you will need your divorce decree when you apply for your marriage license. The state will want to detect that you are really divorced and not just isolated from a former spouse before they choose to issue you a new marriage license. As bigamy (being legally married to more than one person at the same time) is banned in New York, it is a crucial step in the procedure of becoming married to another individual.
Contact our experienced Nassau County firm
The Pollack Law Firm, P.C., rated Nassau County’s “BEST” divorce lawyers and proudly serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County for more than 25 years, is always available to assist and represent parties in divorce, separation, and all other matrimonial and family law matters. Contact us online or call today to schedule your complimentary case analysis: (516) 938-3330.
