INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE AOC-295

This form is used for adults and minors.  The form is filed with the Circuit Clerk’s Office in the county you reside and have residency. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 1”

In the heading of the form, provide the County where you’re filing.  The Clerk will provide the case number and court information. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 2”

On the first line, provide the current legal name of the person wishing to change their name.  Then, check the appropriate box. You can only check one box.  If a parent wants to change their name and the name of a minor child, two separate forms are required. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 3”

In part 1, provide the original name of the party.  Provide the desired name on the second line.  Provide the full date of birth for the minor or adult in part 3 include month, date, and year. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 4”

In part 4, provide the birth location for the minor or adult including the city, county, and state.  In the next part, state where the current address of the minor or adult. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 5”

In part 6, provide the reason why the petitioner wishes to change their name or a minor’s name.  Read the warning statement closely. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 6”

If the petitioner is requesting a name change for a minor, part 7 is required.  Provide the full legal names of the mother and father along with their current address.  If a non-petitioning parent refuses to sign the petition or is unavailable, Notice is required. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 7”

Date and sign the bottom of the form in front of the Clerk.  If there are two petitioners for the change of name for a minor, each petitioner must provide a signature.  If there is an attorney helping the petitioners, list the attorney’s name. 

“Petition for Name Change AOC-295 Step 8”

The petitioner must be a resident of the state at least 6 months before filing.  Filing fees will range from county to county.  After filing the petition, the Clerk will assign a date, time, and location for the hearing.  Arrive to the court 30 minutes before the hearing and be prepared to answer specific questions from the judge. 

INSTRUCTIONS: NAME CHANGE-ADULT

“Name Change-Adult Step 1”

The petitioner needs to complete the following forms:

·  Verified Complaint (Form A)

·  Order Fixing Date of Hearing (Form B)

·  Final Judgment (Form C)

·  Civil Case Information Statement (Form F)

“Name Change-Adult Step 2”

Make a copy of each form and file the originals and copies with the Superior Court in the petitioner’s county.  The filing fees are $200.00, and the petitioner needs to pay by check or money order made payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey.  Provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the forms.

“Name Change-Adult Step 3”

If you have a criminal record, you need to send a Verified Complaint and Order Fixing Date of Hearing to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice in the city of Trenton at least 20 days before the hearing. 

“Name Change-Adult Step 4”

You need to publish the Order Fixing Date of Hearing with a local newspaper.  The Order needs published at least two weeks before the date of the hearing.  After publication, the newspaper will send the petitioner an affidavit.  Make a copy and send the original to the court. 

“Name Change-Adult Step 5”

After you’ve mailed copies to the court, make sure you receive a green certified mail receipt from the post office.  Then, attend the hearing and be ready to answer any number of questions in front of the judge. 

“Name Change-Adult Step 6”

If the name change is approved, the judge will sign the Final Judgment.  You need to publish this form in the newspaper as well with all information except for your social security number.  Make sure to publish the Final Judgment no more than 20 days after the hearing. 

“Name Change-Adult Step 7”

The newspaper will send you another affidavit.  Make sure this form is submitted to the court. 

“Name Change-Adult Step 8”

You need to order certified copies of the Final Judgment.  Each copy will cost $10.00.

“Name Change-Adult Step 9”

Make sure you send certified copies to the Department of Treasury and the Registrar of Vital Statistics.  You need to submit a copy in person to the Motor Vehicle Agency or Regional Service Center as well.  There is a $50 fee with the for changing your records with the Treasury, and there is a $2.00 processing fee with the Registrar of vital statistics as well as a $27.00 fee if you change your birth certificate. 

INSTRUCTIONS: NAME CHANGE PETITION PACKAGE 01-101A

A petitioner is strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney while completing the forms in this packet.  Before completing the Petition, the petitioner needs to complete Civil Cover Sheet.  Do not uncheck the marked boxes. 

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 1”

While filling out the Petition, complete the caption and list your current name on the line provided.  Do not fill out the Term or case number.  On the first line of the document, provide the petitioner’s current legal name as well.

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 2”

In section 1, state the petitioner’s current legal name again and state reasons why a change of name is being requested.  In section 2, provide the petitioner’s former addresses and the number of years they lived at those addresses before filing the petition. 

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 3”

In part (c) of section 3, provide the petitioner’s current name and requested name. 

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 4”

Make two copies of the Petition and take the forms to the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia.  Sign the two copies and the original in front of the Clerk and pay the filing fees.  The clerk will provide a case number, and make sure they place the case number on all required forms. 

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 5”

After filing the Petition, you need to go to your local police department of a Pennsylvania State Police Barracks and have your fingerprints recorded.  The fingerprint card is send to the Pennsylvania State Police and they will send a report to the Clerk’s Office. 

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 6”

Once the petitioner receives information about their hearing date and time, they need to publish the hearing date and time in the Legal Intelligencer.  Make sure to bring proof of publication with you to the hearing. 

“Name Change Petition Package 01-101A Step 7”

Arrive early on the date of the hearing and be prepared to answer questions in front of the judge.  If the judge approves the change of name, they will sign the Decree for Change of Name.  You can ask the Clerk for copies of the Decree in order to change important documents like your birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, and more.