INSTRUCTIONS: CHANGE OF NAME(S) CJ-P 27

The petition and all other forms need filed with the Probate and Family Court in the county the minor currently resides.  The following forms are also required:

· Request for Record Information (if minor is 10 years of age or older)

· Affidavit Disclosing Care or Custody Proceedings

· Request for Assignment

· Affidavit—Parent(s) Unknown or of Parts Unknown (when address or identity of other parent is unknown)

· Assent to Change of Name Petition (if both parents agree to Petition)

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 1”

Select the division and provide the first, middle, and last name of the petitioner.  Also, provide the complete address of the petitioner along with the date of birth and place of birth for the petitioner.  The Clerk will provide the docket number. 

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 2”

In the next set of lines, provide the full name of the spouse along with their date of birth and place of birth.  If there is no spouse, leave this section blank. 

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 3”

In the next set of lines, provide the current legal names of all minors involved in the Petition.  Then, provide the reasons for the change of name.  If the minors have ever had their names changed before, write “Yes” and state why. 

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 4”

In the next section, state the name of all parties involved in the first column.  If requesting a name change, write the new name in the right-hand column.  Provide all necessary signatures and have the form notarized. 

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 5”

Make copies of all necessary forms so there are two packets of completed forms.  Keep the copies, and file the original documents with Family and Probate Court.  Fees will range from county to county in Massachusetts.  If Notice is required, the fees will increase. 

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 6”

After filing the necessary forms, the petition will receive a Notice from the court with instructions on how to serve all interested parties.  The form will provide a deadline for objections. 

“Change of Name(s) CJ-P 27 Step 7”

A Return of Service is attached to the Notice.  Make sure you follow all instructions on the Return of Service before returning the form to the Clerk. 

INSTRUCTIONS: APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (Adult) PC-901

The necessary forms need filed at the Probate Court in the county where the applicant currently resides.  An Affidavit Form PC-910 is also required along with this form.  Make sure to bring two forms of identification with your while filing these forms. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 1”

On the first lines of the form, provide your current legal name and the date of filing the application.  In the lines below the first section, provide your current legal name and then the name you wish to change your current name to. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 2”

In the next set of lines, provide your social security number and the name that appears on your birth certificate. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 3”

On the next two lines, provide your present address and your main telephone number with area code.  On the next line, specify how long you’ve lived at the current address. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 4”

If there is a non-petitioning spouse, provide their full legal name and current address.  If there is a co-petitioning spouse, have them fill out the next section of the document. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 5”

In the third section, provide specific reasons why you’re wishing to change your name.  If you try to change your name and cause fraud or deceit, your actions are punishable by law. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 6”

At the bottom of the form, the petitioner needs to provide their signature and date of signature.  If there is a co-petitioner, they need to provide their signature as well. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 7”

After completing the forms, make copies and file them with the Court Clerk.  There will be a filing fee of $150.00.  If you are unable to pay the fee, you will have to fill out Form PC-184.

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) PC-901 Step 8”

A notice of the hearing is sent to all interested parties before the hearing takes place.  Additionally, a notice of the application is forward to the Department of Public Safety before the hearing to make sure the applicant is not on the Sex Offender Registry.