In Massachusetts, residents can change their names for any reason at all, as long as the reason is deemed valid by the Probate and Family Court. This is done by filling a Massachusetts name change form. Contained in the form are details like current name, address, new name and reasons why they want to change their names. The petitioner may choose to change their first name, middle name, last name or all three names.
This article reveals a lot more about how to legally change your name in ma and changing name after marriage in ma, among others.
The following point should be covered in your Massachusetts name change form:
- An attestation declaring that the name change is not being requested to conduct fraud or a crime.
- Sign on a notarized form consenting to the current name change or be present at the hearing date if you are a minor.
- Previous name.
- New name.
What Is a Massachusetts Name Change Form & How Does It Work?
One of the most important prerequisites for a legal name change in MA is the filling and filing of a Massachusetts name change form at a local Probate and Family court.
A Ma name change form would usually contain details like the old name, the new name the individual wishes to assume, the reason for the name change request, among other things.
There is a comprehensive list of processes an adult resident of the state must go through to have their names changed. The only exceptions are those who have marriage, divorce or separation as a reason for the name change. In these cases, a marriage certificate, divorce or separation decree can function as a legal name change order.
How to Legally Change Your Name in Massachusetts?
The following are the steps and processes involved in legally changing your name in Massachusetts.
- The first step is to obtain a Petition for Change of Name form. You can get this from a local probate court or download from a reputable website like CocoSign.
- Also prepare a copy of your birth certificate and file all these documents. Filing attracts a filing cost of about $150 and a surcharge of $15. If citation is required, you may need to pay an additional $15 fee.
- After filing, you are required to go for a criminal record check. This is also required for a child over age 11.
- The court then provides you with a Notice of Petition for Change of Name to publish at a local newspaper. This document referred to as a citation tells you where and when to publish the notice. Note that the newspaper may charge you a fee for publishing the notice.
- You are then required to return to the court with the original citation, a copy of the notice from the newspaper and the return of service on the second page of the citation.
- The court then schedules a date for your hearing where you are poised to state reasons for filing this name change request. If approved, the court issues you are decree and certificate highlighting your new name.
When Do People Change Their Names in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, there are four main reasons why one may want to change their name. They include:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Becoming a naturalized citizen
- Personal, political or religious reasons
Other common reasons are:
- Name change to match a given pen or brand name
- Name change because individual has been a victim of identity fraud
- Misspelled name
- Adoption
Must-know Basics of Massachusetts Name Change
There are some basics you have to get familiar with before filing for a name change in MA. To begin with, the petitioner must be at least 18 years old and must be a resident of the state.
The name change request for a minor child is usually more scrutinized by the judge than that of an adult. This is because the judge wants to be sure that the name change is in the best interests of the child, in the case where the name to be changed may be the child’s only memory of his/her parents. If the child is over 12 years, he/she must agree to the name change before the application can be approved.
Other things to note about a name change MA is:
- A name cannot be changed to evade taxes or avoid debts
- New name must not contain any curse or racial slur word
- Petitioner must have no criminal record
You can begin your name change process today. All you need do is download any of CocoSign numerous name change forms, customize and file according to the provisions of your local probate court.