Changing Your Name in Delaware
How adults change their legal name in Delaware: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: An adult files a verified petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where he or she lives, giving the current name and the name wanted (name changes in a divorce, a parentage case or for a minor go to Family Court). 10 Del. C. §§ 5901, 5903 (repealed), 5904, 5905
| Legal name change | An adult files a verified petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where he or she lives, giving the current name and the name wanted (name changes in a divorce, a parentage case or for a minor go to Family Court). The former requirement to publish the petition in a newspaper was repealed in 2022. The court may grant the petition if the requirements are met and there is no reason to deny it. The petitioner pays the costs. People under Department of Correction supervision may change their names only on narrow grounds. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
|---|---|
| Changing your name after divorce | On a party's request in a pleading or motion, the Family Court may order that the party resume a maiden or former name. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: 13 Del. C. § 1514 |
Where to get help in Delaware
More Delaware divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Delaware
- Adopting a Child in Delaware
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Delaware
- Child Custody Laws in Delaware
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Delaware
- Divorce Records in Delaware
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Delaware
- How to File for Divorce in Delaware
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Delaware
- All Delaware divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in Delaware?
An adult files a verified petition with the Court of Common Pleas in the county where he or she lives, giving the current name and the name wanted (name changes in a divorce, a parentage case or for a minor go to Family Court). The former requirement to publish the petition in a newspaper was repealed in 2022. The court may grant the petition if the requirements are met and there is no reason to deny it. The petitioner pays the costs. People under Department of Correction supervision may change their names only on narrow grounds.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Delaware?
On a party's request in a pleading or motion, the Family Court may order that the party resume a maiden or former name.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.