Changing Your Name in New Hampshire
How adults change their legal name in New Hampshire: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: The probate court may grant a petition to change a person's name. The court may not require the petitioner to obtain consents, and may proceed with or without notice. RSA 547:3-i
| Legal name change | The probate court may grant a petition to change a person's name. The court may not require the petitioner to obtain consents, and may proceed with or without notice. People who are incarcerated or on probation or parole, registered sex offenders or offenders against children, or people convicted of a violent felony or crime against a child must make a compelling showing that the change is necessary and serve the petition on the appropriate agencies and prosecutor; victims are notified and may be heard. Source: RSA 547:3-i |
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| Changing your name after divorce | When a decree of divorce or nullity is made, the court may restore a former name of a spouse, whether or not the petition asked for it. This does not apply to legal separation. Source: RSA 458:24 |
More New Hampshire divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in New Hampshire
- Adopting a Child in New Hampshire
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in New Hampshire
- Establishing Paternity in New Hampshire
- Child Custody Laws in New Hampshire
- How Child Support Is Calculated in New Hampshire
- Alimony and Spousal Support in New Hampshire
- How to File for Divorce in New Hampshire
- Legal Separation and Annulment in New Hampshire
- All New Hampshire divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in New Hampshire?
The probate court may grant a petition to change a person's name. The court may not require the petitioner to obtain consents, and may proceed with or without notice. People who are incarcerated or on probation or parole, registered sex offenders or offenders against children, or people convicted of a violent felony or crime against a child must make a compelling showing that the change is necessary and serve the petition on the appropriate agencies and prosecutor; victims are notified and may be heard.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in New Hampshire?
When a decree of divorce or nullity is made, the court may restore a former name of a spouse, whether or not the petition asked for it. This does not apply to legal separation.
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.