The petitioner will need to gather and complete (when necessary) the following documents:

• Petition to Change Name of Adult (CJP 27) – Signed before a notary public.
• Court Activity Record Information / Warrant Management System Release Request (CJP 34)
• Certified copy of birth certificate^[1]

If the petitioner has had a prior name change, they will need a certified copy of the document reflecting the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or certificate of naturalization.

The petitioner must file their documents with the Probate and Family Court serving the county where they live.^[2] This can be done in person, by mail, or online.

The filing fee is $165 (as of this writing). Petitioners who can’t afford the fee may potentially have the cost waived by filing an Affidavit of Indigency, which can also be done online.^[3]

The court will review the case and decide whether to grant the name change right away or if the petitioner must provide notice and/or attend a hearing.

In many cases, the court will require notice and issue the petitioner an Order of Notice (CJ-P 130) and a Citation on Petition for Change of Name (CJ-P 28) after reviewing the petition. The Order will need to be mailed to interested parties, and the Citation be published in a designated newspaper at least seven days before the return date. The Citation must be filed with the court along with proof of service showing that the document was published.

The petitioner may file a Motion (CJD 400) to request a waiver of the newspaper notice requirement.

The court may approve the name change request at this point. Otherwise, notice will be mailed to the petitioner stating when and where their hearing will take place. The petitioner will be required to bring a copy of all submitted documents to it.

The judge will review the documents and decide whether to approve the petitioner’s change of name.

Massachusetts handles name through marriage and divorce: