How do I legally change my name in Massachusetts?

Q: How do I legally change my name in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts adult name changes are governed by M.G.L. c. 210, §§ 12–14 and filed in the Probate and Family Court of the petitioner's county of residence. 1. File the Petition - Complete Form CJP 27 (Petition to Change Name of Adult). - File with the Probate and Family Court Registry ; filing fee is $180 ($150 filing + $15 surcharge + $15 citation). - Include a certified copy of your birth certificate and a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) acknowledgment form. 2. Notice (Citation) - Court issues a citation that must be published in a designated newspaper (cost ~$100–$200) once at least 14 days before the return date unless waived. - Waiver available where publication would jeopardize the petitioner's safety (Probate and Family Court Standing Order on Confidential Name Change Petitions). 3. CORI Check - Court conducts a Criminal Offender Record Information review on every adult petitioner. 4. Hearing - If no objection is filed by the return date, court typically grants the petition on papers; otherwise a hearing is held. - Judge enters a Decree Changing Name . 5. After the Decree - Certified copies ($20 each). - File SSA Form SS-5 (free). - Update Massachusetts DL/ID at RMV ($25 duplicate), passport, voter registration, banks. 6. Confidential / Sealed Petitions - Standing Order allows confidential name changes for transgender petitioners, abuse survivors, and others showing risk of harm. 7. Divorce-Based Restoration - M.G.L. c. 208, § 23 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment without separate proceeding. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts adult name changes are governed by M.G.L. c. 210, §§ 12–14 and filed in the Probate and Family Court of the petitioner's county of residence.

1. File the Petition

Complete Form CJP 27 (Petition to Change Name of Adult).

File with the Probate and Family Court Registry; filing fee is $180 ($150 filing + $15 surcharge + $15 citation).

Include a certified copy of your birth certificate and a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) acknowledgment form.

2. Notice (Citation)

Court issues a citation that must be published in a designated newspaper (cost ~$100–$200) once at least 14 days before the return date unless waived.

Waiver available where publication would jeopardize the petitioner's safety (Probate and Family Court Standing Order on Confidential Name Change Petitions).

3. CORI Check

Court conducts a Criminal Offender Record Information review on every adult petitioner.

4. Hearing

If no objection is filed by the return date, court typically grants the petition on papers; otherwise a hearing is held.

Judge enters a Decree Changing Name.

5. After the Decree

Certified copies ($20 each).

File SSA Form SS-5 (free).

Update Massachusetts DL/ID at RMV ($25 duplicate), passport, voter registration, banks.

6. Confidential / Sealed Petitions

Standing Order allows confidential name changes for transgender petitioners, abuse survivors, and others showing risk of harm.

7. Divorce-Based Restoration

M.G.L. c. 208, § 23 allows restoration of a former name in the divorce judgment without separate proceeding.

This is legal information, not legal advice.