FAQs for Name Change

To change your name in New Jersey, you need to follow a specific legal process. First, you need to prepare a Name Change Petition, which is a legal document requesting the court to approve your name change. Then, publish a notice of the name change in a newspaper approved by the court, attend the scheduled court hearing. After the hearing, obtain certified copies of the Name Change Order from the court. Use the certified copies of the Name Change Order to update your identification documents, such as your driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, bank accounts, and other official records. Notify relevant government agencies, employers, educational institutions, and other entities about your name change.

First, you must be a resident of NJ if you are applying for a name change in New Jersey. You must be of 18 years of age or older, minors under the age of 18 require the consent of their parents or guardians to change their name, except in specific circumstances such as emancipation.

If you have been convicted of a serious crime, such as certain offenses related to fraud, identity theft, or crimes against children, you may be restricted from changing your name. You must demonstrate a genuine and lawful intent for the name change, without any fraudulent or illegal purpose.

The typical entire process of changing your name in New Jersey may take a few months from the initial filing to updating all relevant documents and records. It’s important to be aware that this timeline is approximate, and individual circumstances can impact the duration.

The cost associated with changing your name in New Jersey can vary depending on several factors, including the county where you file your petition and any additional services you may require. Some common expenses to consider are a filing fee which ranges from $250 to $400, a publication fee which ranges from $50 to $200, and each certified copy of the Name Change Order costs about $5-$10 depending on the county.

In New Jersey, individuals may have various reasons for wanting to change their name. While the specific motivations can vary from person to person, here are some common reasons for seeking a name change: marriage or divorce, personal preference, professional reasons, privacy and safety, family unity, and cultural or religious reasons.

Yes, you can change your child’s name in NJ, but you will need to file a petition with the Superior Court and provide a valid reason for the name change. Both parents or legal guardians must consent to the name change, unless one parent is deceased or has had their parental rights terminated.

Yes, you can change your name after a divorce in New Jersey. Changing your name after a divorce is a common practice and can be done through the same legal process as a regular name change.

Yes, you can change your name back to your maiden name in NJ. You will need to include your request for a name change in the divorce decree and file a petition with the Superior Court.

No, there are some restrictions on the names you can choose in NJ. The name you choose cannot be used for fraudulent purposes, cannot contain numbers or symbols, and cannot be a name that is obscene or offensive.

In New Jersey, you are not required to have an attorney to change your name. You have the option to represent yourself in the name change process. However, it’s important to consider the complexity of the legal procedure and the potential benefits of having legal guidance.While the name change process itself may seem straightforward, there are specific legal requirements, paperwork, and court procedures to follow. An attorney experienced in name change matters can help ensure that you navigate the process correctly, complete all necessary forms accurately, and comply with court rules and procedures.

To change your name in NJ, you will need to provide proof of identity and residency, as well as any other relevant documents that support your reason for the name change. Examples of these documents might include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In some cases, you may be required to publish notice of your name change in a newspaper in NJ. This requirement varies by county and depends on the reason for the name change. Your attorney can advise you if this is necessary in your case.

In New Jersey, a name change through the court process does not automatically result in a change to your birth certificate. The name on your birth certificate remains the same unless you specifically request a change through a separate process. To change the name on your birth certificate in New Jersey, you would generally need to follow a separate legal procedure called a “correction of vital records.” This process involves submitting an application to the New Jersey Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.