INSTRUCTIONS: APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF NAME (Adult) CC-1411

This application cannot be used for the name change of a minor.  A probationer or incarcerated person may submit an application if the court finds good cause for the name change. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 1”

Check the appropriate box on the first line and fill in your city or county.  Fill in your current full name in the second line.  Fill in your full name on the third line as well. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 2”

In part 1, provide your full birth name.  Fill in your current residential address in part 2.  If your mailing address is different from your residential address, fill in part 3. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 3”

Provide your full date of birth in part 4a.  Provide your place of birth in part 4b including city and state. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 4”

Provide the full names of your father and mother in parts 5 and 6. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 5”

Check the appropriate box in part 7 indicating whether or not you’ve ever been convicted of a felony.  If you check “Yes” in part 8, include the name of your facility name and location.  If you check “Yes” in part 9, provide the court name.  If you check “Yes” in part 10, attach a court order or similar documentation highlighting the change of name.

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 6”

On the second page, provide your full current name and your requested change of name.

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 7”

Sign the document on the “Applicant” line in front of Notary Public.  The Clerk, Deputy Clerk or Notary Public will fill in the bottom of the document. 

“Application for Change of Name (Adult) CC-1411 Step 8”

Before bringing this form to the County Court, you need to make copies of the original as determined by your specific district.  You are encouraged to hire an attorney to help you with this form and any other required forms. 

INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION TO CHANGE NAME (Adult) CAO 12-1

Apart from the Petition, an adult will also need the following forms:

·  Notice of Hearing

·  Order for Name Change

·  Name Change Letter of Publication

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 1”

The Petition is easily filled out.  Make sure to print in black ink and provide your district number and county in the heading.  If the sections of the Petition do not apply, write “none” or “N/A.”  The completed Petition must be signed in front of Notary Public. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 2”

Make of copy of the Petition and two copies of the Notice of Hearing.  Attach these copies to the originals.  Take these forms to the Clerk’s Office in your county and pay the filings fees.  The filing fees will cost about $88.00, but they may be subject to change depending on your county.  If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can fill out the Fee Waiver FW 1-9. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 3”

After filing the form, request for the hearing to occur at least six weeks in the future.  The clerk will issue the Notice when the filing fee is paid or the fee is officially waived by the judge. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 4”

Select a newspaper in your area and send a signed Letter of Publication with a copy of the Notice of Hearing.  The newspaper needs to publish the Notice every week for at least 4 consecutive weeks.  After the Notice has been published enough times, the newspaper will send an Affidavit of Publication.  Make sure the Clerk receives the Affidavit. 

“Petition to Change Name (Adult) CAO 12-1 Step 5”

After the clerk has received and approved the Affidavit, the petitioner needs to attend the hearing.  You’ll want to bring the original Order and any copies of the Order you will need for changing your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, and more.  If the judge approves the change of name, they will sign the Order and you’ll receive certified copies from the Clerk’s office. 

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.