Part 3 of 5: Name Change in the Massachusetts Probate Courts.
Changing one's legal name in Massachusetts is designed to be a fairly easy and straightforward process. Under Massachusetts law, a name change "shall be freely granted unless such change is inconsistent with public interest". Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 210 Sec. 12. All paperwork and fees should be submitted in the Probate Court in the county where you currently reside.
1. Obtain, prepare and submit a Change of Name Petition (CJP-27). This form can be downloaded and printed directly from the Probate Court website, or by requesting one from a clerk of the Probate Court;
2. Submit a copy of birth certificate or naturalization papers;
3. Pay a court filing fee of $165.00;
4. Publish a notice of name change in the local newspaper.
Each county probate court maintains its own specific procedures, so it is important to check with the court clerk before sending in any paperwork.
The Court is under no obligation to investigate or inquire into the motive or reasons that prompts one to change his or her name, so long as the name change is not for an unlawful, fraudulent or dishonest purpose. Assuming that no person files an objection to your petition and the court finds no reason to refuse it, the name change will be approved without a court hearing.
Once approved by the court, it is important to request at least four (4) certified copies. You will need certified copies in order to amend your birth certificate, obtain a new license, etc. Generally, an ordinary copy will suffice for things like checking and savings accounts, shopping clubs, and credit card accounts.
A list of the probate courts in Massachusetts, together with contact and other helpful information, can be found here.
Changing one's legal name in Massachusetts is designed to be a fairly easy and straightforward process. Under Massachusetts law, a name change "shall be freely granted unless such change is inconsistent with public interest". Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 210 Sec. 12. All paperwork and fees should be submitted in the Probate Court in the county where you currently reside.
1. Obtain, prepare and submit a Change of Name Petition (CJP-27). This form can be downloaded and printed directly from the Probate Court website, or by requesting one from a clerk of the Probate Court;
2. Submit a copy of birth certificate or naturalization papers;
3. Pay a court filing fee of $165.00;
4. Publish a notice of name change in the local newspaper.
Each county probate court maintains its own specific procedures, so it is important to check with the court clerk before sending in any paperwork.
The Court is under no obligation to investigate or inquire into the motive or reasons that prompts one to change his or her name, so long as the name change is not for an unlawful, fraudulent or dishonest purpose. Assuming that no person files an objection to your petition and the court finds no reason to refuse it, the name change will be approved without a court hearing.
Once approved by the court, it is important to request at least four (4) certified copies. You will need certified copies in order to amend your birth certificate, obtain a new license, etc. Generally, an ordinary copy will suffice for things like checking and savings accounts, shopping clubs, and credit card accounts.
A list of the probate courts in Massachusetts, together with contact and other helpful information, can be found here.
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