Changing Your Name in New Mexico
How adults change their legal name in New Mexico: the court petition, publication, fees, and restoring a name after divorce.
Short answer: Any New Mexico resident 14 or older may petition the district court in the district where he or she lives, and the court orders the change if no sufficient cause is shown against it. NMSA 1978, §§ 40-8-1, 40-8-2 (repealed)
| Legal name change | Any New Mexico resident 14 or older may petition the district court in the district where he or she lives, and the court orders the change if no sufficient cause is shown against it. A certified copy of the order is filed with the county clerk for recording. Section 40-8-1 does not mention newspaper publication, and § 40-8-2 has been repealed. |
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| Changing your name after divorce | According to the courts' self-help page, returning to a prior name after divorce requires a petition for name change; the same applies to changing a child's name after divorce. |
Where to get help in New Mexico
More New Mexico divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in New Mexico
- Adopting a Child in New Mexico
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in New Mexico
- Establishing Paternity in New Mexico
- Child Custody Laws in New Mexico
- How Child Support Is Calculated in New Mexico
- Alimony and Spousal Support in New Mexico
- How to File for Divorce in New Mexico
- Legal Separation and Annulment in New Mexico
- All New Mexico divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you legally change your name in New Mexico?
Any New Mexico resident 14 or older may petition the district court in the district where he or she lives, and the court orders the change if no sufficient cause is shown against it. A certified copy of the order is filed with the county clerk for recording. Section 40-8-1 does not mention newspaper publication, and § 40-8-2 has been repealed.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in New Mexico?
According to the courts' self-help page, returning to a prior name after divorce requires a petition for name change; the same applies to changing a child's name after 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.