Changing Your Name in Maine
How adults change their legal name in Maine: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: An adult petitions the Probate Court in the county where he or she lives. The court may not require public notice (publication) before approving an adult's name change. The filing fee is $75. 18-C M.R.S. § 1-701
| Legal name change | An adult petitions the Probate Court in the county where he or she lives. The court may not require public notice (publication) before approving an adult's name change. The filing fee is $75. The court must require a criminal history record check and may require motor vehicle or credit checks. The court may make the order confidential in some circumstances, such as abuse, and may not change a name if it believes the purpose is fraud or otherwise contrary to the public interest. Source: 18-C M.R.S. § 1-701 |
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| Changing your name after divorce | When granting a divorce, the court must change a spouse's name to a former name if that spouse asks, and may change it to any other name requested. No court fee is charged for a name change requested as part of a divorce. |
Where to get help in Maine
More Maine divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Maine
- Adopting a Child in Maine
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Maine
- Establishing Paternity in Maine
- Child Custody Laws in Maine
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Maine
- Divorce Records in Maine
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Maine
- How to File for Divorce in Maine
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Maine
- All Maine divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in Maine?
An adult petitions the Probate Court in the county where he or she lives. The court may not require public notice (publication) before approving an adult's name change. The filing fee is $75. The court must require a criminal history record check and may require motor vehicle or credit checks. The court may make the order confidential in some circumstances, such as abuse, and may not change a name if it believes the purpose is fraud or otherwise contrary to the public interest.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Maine?
When granting a divorce, the court must change a spouse's name to a former name if that spouse asks, and may change it to any other name requested. No court fee is charged for a name change requested as part of a divorce.
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.