Changing Your Name in Massachusetts
How adults change their legal name in Massachusetts: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: A petition to change a name is heard by the probate court in the county where the petitioner lives, and the change must be granted unless it is inconsistent with the public interest. M.G.L. c. 210, §§ 12, 13
| Legal name change | A petition to change a name is heard by the probate court in the county where the petitioner lives, and the change must be granted unless it is inconsistent with the public interest. The court requests a report from the commissioner of probation and requires a copy of the birth record (and records of any earlier name change). Under the version of the law effective November 25, 2025, public notice (publication) is required only if the court orders it for good cause, and name change records are not open to public inspection unless the court orders otherwise or the petitioner requests it. Source: M.G.L. c. 210, §§ 12, 13 |
|---|---|
| Changing your name after divorce | The court granting a divorce may allow a woman to resume her maiden name or the name of a former husband. Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, § 23 |
Where to get help in Massachusetts
More Massachusetts divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Massachusetts
- Adopting a Child in Massachusetts
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Massachusetts
- Establishing Paternity in Massachusetts
- Child Custody Laws in Massachusetts
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Massachusetts
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Massachusetts
- How to File for Divorce in Massachusetts
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Massachusetts
- All Massachusetts divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in Massachusetts?
A petition to change a name is heard by the probate court in the county where the petitioner lives, and the change must be granted unless it is inconsistent with the public interest. The court requests a report from the commissioner of probation and requires a copy of the birth record (and records of any earlier name change). Under the version of the law effective November 25, 2025, public notice (publication) is required only if the court orders it for good cause, and name change records are not open to public inspection unless the court orders otherwise or the petitioner requests it.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Massachusetts?
The court granting a divorce may allow a woman to resume her maiden name or the name of a former husband.
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.