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Changing Your Name in New Jersey

How adults change their legal name in New Jersey: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.

Short answer: An adult files a Verified Complaint for name change in the Superior Court, Law Division, Civil Part, in his or her county (the Judiciary provides a self-help kit and eForm). The filing fee is $250. New Jersey Courts, Name Change – Adults; How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name – Adults Only (form packet 10551)

Legal name changeAn adult files a Verified Complaint for name change in the Superior Court, Law Division, Civil Part, in his or her county (the Judiciary provides a self-help kit and eForm). The filing fee is $250. The court sets a hearing date, and the applicant must mail the Order Fixing Date of Hearing to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice by regular and certified mail at least 20 days before the hearing (and notify law enforcement if charges are pending). The judge reviews the request at the hearing and, if approved, signs a Final Judgment; it must be filed with the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue, with a $50 fee.
Source: New Jersey Courts, Name Change – Adults; How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name – Adults Only (form packet 10551)
Changing your name after divorceWhen or after granting a divorce, the court may allow either spouse to resume any name used before the marriage or to take any surname. The court's self-help page says that if the divorce judgment already allows it, no separate motion is needed; otherwise a motion can be filed in family court.
Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:34-21; New Jersey Courts, Name Change

Where to get help in New Jersey

More New Jersey divorce & family law

FAQ

How do you legally change your name in New Jersey?
An adult files a Verified Complaint for name change in the Superior Court, Law Division, Civil Part, in his or her county (the Judiciary provides a self-help kit and eForm). The filing fee is $250. The court sets a hearing date, and the applicant must mail the Order Fixing Date of Hearing to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice by regular and certified mail at least 20 days before the hearing (and notify law enforcement if charges are pending). The judge reviews the request at the hearing and, if approved, signs a Final Judgment; it must be filed with the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue, with a $50 fee.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in New Jersey?
When or after granting a divorce, the court may allow either spouse to resume any name used before the marriage or to take any surname. The court's self-help page says that if the divorce judgment already allows it, no separate motion is needed; otherwise a motion can be filed in family court.

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.