how to change your first name in nj without an attorney

by Antwan Fadel 4 min read

Can I legally change my name in New Jersey without changing it?

Mar 19, 2020 · 4. Head to the Social Security office to make a legal name change in NJ. Next step to making a legal name change in NJ? Updating your Social Security card. You can head to your local Social Security office to do that, with form SS-5 in hand. Be sure to include both your birth name and your married name when you fill out the form.

Can I change my name without going through a lawsuit?

If your current legal name is different from the name that appears on your civil birth certificate then you must show legal proof of the name change. Legal proof includes a certified marriage or civil union certificate, a divorce decree or a court order linking the new name with the previous name. A divorce decree may be used as authority to resume using a previous name only if it …

How do I get a court order to change my name?

In New Jersey, the process for obtaining a name change by court order for a minor child whose biological parent is acting as the Plaintiff, begins with the filing of a Verified Complaint and other appropriate forms, in the Superior Court in the jurisdiction in which the …

How do I Change my Social Security name in NJ?

Feb 17, 2022 · New Jersey allows a person to change his/her name by filling out a form and returning it to the county Superior Court. A name change form costs $250. While that seems simple, there are actually several other critical steps involved and a hearing with a judge is required. There are instances when a judge may rule that a person is not permitted to change …

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How do I legally change my first name in NJ?

To get a court order giving you permission to change your name, you must file a complaint for name change in the Law Division of the Superior Court. To begin the process of having the court consider your case, you must give the court clerk the necessary forms and a filing fee of $250.

How much does it cost to change your first name in NJ?

In New Jersey, there is a $2.00 fee to process the legal name change. There is also a $25.00 fee if you want to receive a corrected birth certificate, marriage license, civil union or domestic partnership record. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey.Feb 8, 2021

Can I change my name online NJ?

(The NJ MVC requires you to change your name with the SSA before updating your driver's license.) Updating your name on your driver's license cannot be done online or by mail, you must visit your nearest MVC office in person.Dec 3, 2021

How long does it take to legally change your name in NJ?

Name change actions can take anywhere from a day to six (6) months (sometimes even longer). The time it takes for such action to be ordered/decreed varies not only from county to county, but sometimes from courthouse to courthouse as well.

Can you legally change your first name?

Changing your first name. As with your surname, there is nothing in the law stopping you from changing your first name at any time, so long as you don't have any fraudulent (or other criminal) intent. You can assume any name or combination of names you please in addition to, or substitution for, your existing name.

When can a child legally change their name?

Q. Can a child change their own name? A. If aged between 16 and 18 a child can generally change their name themselves but the consent of any person having responsibility for that child may be required.

How much does it cost to change your name?

Name changes cost anywhere from under $100 to more than $500, depending on your state. In many states, fees vary in each county, so check with your local probate, family, or district court clerk. Many states still have fees well under $100.May 2, 2022

How do I change my name on my birth certificate in NJ?

To amend your name on a birth, marriage, civil union or domestic partnership record, mail the following documents to the address listed below.
  1. A letter identifying the vital record to be corrected. ...
  2. A copy of the original judgment of name change.
  3. Payment in the amount of $2 to process the legal name change.

How do I change name on Social Security card?

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. You also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

Is it hard to change your name?

The process of changing your name is not difficult however it requires a tedious effort to do so. There are many steps, which can be slow at times, that are required to successfully change your name. It's easy to change your name in social settings, all you have to do is introduce yourself with your desired name.Dec 31, 2021

Can I change my last name?

Petition to change your name by filling out a name change form, an order to show cause for legally changing your name, and a decree to legally change your name. Take these forms to the court clerk and file them along with your state's required filing fees.Jul 22, 2020

Can I change my child's last name without father's consent in NJ?

In most cases, the court will require that your child's other parent agrees to the name change. However, the court can order the name change without the consent of the other parent if it finds the change to be in the best interest of the child.

How to change your name on your driver's license?

Change your name on your driver’s license or picture ID card. Once you have received your new social security card, take it to your local Motor Vehicle Commission to change your name on your driver’ s license. Also bring a certified copy of your divorce decree and your old driver’s license with you.

What is the final judgment form?

Final Judgment Form – Form C will be the form that the court uses to formally issue your name change. The Court will complete this form for you.

How much does it cost to change your name in New Jersey?

You have the choice between hand-delivering these forms, or mailing them to the court clerk. In either case, you must pay a $250 name change filing fee (payable to Treasure of the State of New Jersey if you are mailing a check) and provide the court clerk with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

What forms are needed to change your name in New Jersey?

New Jersey name change forms consist of a Complaint Form, Order Form, Judgment Form, Proof of Mailing Form, and Civil Cover Sheet. These forms can be completed and filed by any citizen of the State wishing to legally change their name for political, religious or other personal reasons. Completed name change forms must be submitted to ...

What is the second form for name change?

The second form of the name change packet is the Order Fixing Date of Hearing Form. Download this form and complete the top section of the page. Leave the rest blank; the court will complete this after you file all the forms.

What is the final judgment form?

The Final Judgment Form is the document that, when signed by the judge, serves as legal proof of your name change. Only complete the top section of the form and any fields that do not have “leave blank for the court to complete” written below them.

Do you have to appear before a judge to change your name?

On the day of your hearing , you are required to appear before a judge and answer any questions they might have concerning your name change complaint. As long as you have properly completed all the forms and have not falsified any information, the judge should be inclined to approve your proposed name change.

Can a minor change his name?

A minor is prohibited from changing their name for fraudulent purposes or in an attempt to avoid legal charges.

What happens at a name change hearing?

The judge will also take any objections into consideration, particularly those coming from the non-petitioning parent, should they choose to attend. If the judge believes the name change is suitable and is in the best interests of the minor, they will sign the Final Judgment.

How much does it cost to get a marriage license in New Jersey?

If you’ll be getting married in New Jersey, you can obtain your marriage license from any county in the state. A marriage license costs $28 across the state, but do be aware that there’s a 72-hour waiting period between obtaining the marriage license NJ couples need and getting married that must be observed.

How long is a marriage license valid in New Jersey?

After you obtain your marriage license, it’s time to get married! Your New Jersey marriage license is valid for six months. Once you head back down the aisle, your officiant will sign your marriage certificate and return it to the County Clerk (the same one who issued the certificate). And that’s it!

How to get a copy of birth certificate in New Jersey?

To obtain certified copies of New Jersey records, you should contact the municipality that originally issued the document and/or contact the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry by visiting www.nj.gov/health/vital or by calling (609) 292-4087. If your birth certificate was issued by Jersey City or Hudson County, ...

What to do if your name is different from your birth certificate?

If your current legal name is different from the name that appears on your civil birth certificate then you must show legal proof of the name change.

How to change a child's name in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the process for obtaining a name change by court order for a minor child whose biological parent is acting as the Plaintiff, begins with the filing of a Verified Complaint and other appropriate forms, in the Superior Court in the jurisdiction in which the Plaintiff and the minor child reside .

Can a court accept a name change?

The Courts are often willing to accept name changes for almost any legitimate reason . However, the granting of an application for change of name is discretionary with the Court. For an order/decree/judgment of name change to be granted, the Court must find compliance with the requirements of notice and the requirements for the allegations in ...

How old do you have to be to change your name in New Jersey?

To file an application for a change of name for an adult in New Jersey, the adult must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. Following is the age of majority, as taken directly from Sec. 2A:4A-22, of the New Jersey Permanent Statutes, Title 2A Administration of Civil and Criminal Justice, ""Juvenile" means an individual who is under the age ...

What is the difference between juvenile and adult?

a. "Juvenile" means an individual who is under the age of 18 years. b. "Adult" means an individual 18 years of age or older.". The Plaintiff's Verified Complaint includes personal information as required by statute, such as the Plaintiff's date of birth, as well as the name the Plaintiff wishes to adopt and the reason ...

What happens at a name change hearing?

At the hearing, if the Court is satisfied that there is no reasonable objection to the name change and that it is consistent with the public interest, the Court will issue a Final Judgment authorizing the name change and setting the date when the Plaintiff will be authorized to assume the new name.

What is a verified complaint?

The Verified Complaint includes personal information as required by statute, such as the Plaintiff's name, the minor child's name, the new name requested for the minor child, the reason (s) for the request for change of name, etc.

How long does it take to get a copy of a judgment?

A certified copy of the Judgment must also be filed with the Department of Treasury, within forty-five (45) days after the date of the Judgment.

Can I File to Change the Name of a Child?

Yes. The process is similar to that of changing one’s own name. However, one will have to fill out paperwork specific to minors. In addition, if the other parent objects, that could result in a hearing and subsequent denial, depending on the circumstances.

Name Changes Involving Marriage or Divorce

A person who is changing their surname as a result of a new marriage or the dissolution of a marriage can do so without following the steps above. Upon getting married, a person can simply request a name change along with the marriage certificate.

Do I Need an Attorney to Change My Name in New Jersey?

A name change in New Jersey may seem like a simple matter, but the paperwork is very involved and there are many steps that a person could overlook, which would result in a denial. Moreover, a person with complicated circumstances (i.e. debt or pending lawsuit) or a criminal history would be well advised to get the help of an experienced attorney.

How to change last name in NJ?

The first step to a last name change in NJ? Completing a marriage license application, which is always required to legally wed and usually required to swap surnames. You'll apply for a marriage license in the state where you're tying the knot. If that's NJ, read the instructions ahead.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in New Jersey?

There's a 72-hour waiting period to obtain a marriage license in NJ. The document is valid for 30 days in New Jersey only. Planning a legal name change in NJ? According to Jake Wolff, the founder of HitchSwitch, you can use your marriage certificate to switch surnames after you're officially married.

Does the SSA accept original birth certificates?

The SSA will only accept original or certified copies of documents like your marriage license and birth certificate. Other institutions listed ahead will only accept those too. FYI: Photocopies and notarized copies don't count. We recommend the certified copy route, so you never lose sight of your originals.

Why is it important to update your passport?

Even if you aren't going abroad, the document serves an important purpose: It acts as backup proof of your legal name change when you get to the DMV. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have, especially if your name change is more unique than just changing your last name to your partner's.

How much does a DS-11 cost?

Form DS-11: From $30 to $140, plus a $35 execution fee. Expedited service: If you need your passport fast, you can pay an extra $60 to get it in two to three weeks instead of six to eight.

Do I need a New Jersey name change attorney?

There is no requirement that you retain an attorney to assist you during the name change process in New Jersey. However, as can be seen, the name change procedure in New Jersey is technically demanding, especially for those who do not have a legal background.

What is the cost for a New Jersey name change?

Currently, the New Jersey Superior Court filing fee for a legal name change is $250.00. In addition, you will have to publish notification of the name change in a newspaper of general circulation (or whichever newspaper the courts orders that you to publish the notification in) both before and after the hearing.

How long will the name change take?

Legal name changes in New Jersey currently take between 60 to 90 days, on average.

Will a court appearance be necessary?

Maybe. Depending on the court and/or judge assigned to handle your case, a court appearance may or may not be necessary. If a court appearance is necessary, we will prepare you for the appearance and appear with you at the hearing and answer various questions from the court on your behalf.

If I was born in New York but have since moved to New Jersey, in which state should I file for a name change?

You must file for a name change in the state within which you currently reside. Thus, even if you were born in New York, and your birth certificate was issued in that state, you would have to apply for a legal name change in New Jersey, where you currently live.

I only want to change the spelling of my first name. Do I still need a legal name change?

Yes. You must file for a formal legal name change if you are making any changes at all to your first name, middle name, or last name and/or any combination. This includes making only minor changes to the spelling of your first, middle, and last name.

Do I need to go through the formal name change procedure if I am only correcting my name?

If you are only correcting your name and you were born in New Jersey, you may not need to go through the formal legal name change process. Requests for corrections of vital records must be supported by verifiable documentation. In addition, requests for corrects will vary depending upon the type of correction being filed.

Am I allowed to change back to my maiden name as part of the divorce proceedings in family court?

Yes. During the final divorce hearing, you can legally ask the court to allow you to return to your maiden name. You are able to do so as part of the divorce proceedings and, therefore, you will not need to file a formal legal name change proceeding in civil court.

Should I change my name during or after a divorce?

Often times after a divorce, the wife or partner in a same sex marriage will decide to return to their maiden name. The reasons for changing names will vary from person to person. Often times, the spouse changing their name will do so out of desire to have a name of their own, or to start over.

What if I want to change my name to something besides my maiden name?

In the context of a name change during divorce, you are permitted to resume a maiden name, former name, or any other surname you desire. If this is your second or subsequent marriage, you can return to your prior married name if you desire.

Am I required to return to my maiden name or some former name after divorce?

No. There is no requirement that you return to your maiden name or a former name after a divorce. Thus, you are free to continue to use your husband’s surname. This is true regardless of your husband’s wishes.

What is the procedure for a name change request made during divorce proceedings?

Your lawyer should make your name change request in either the Complaint for Divorce (or the Answer if you are the defendant spouse). Even if your lawyer fails to do so, however, you can always request that the court allow you to amend your pleadings to include a name change request.

I am divorced but I forgot to request a name change at the time of my divorce or I have since changed my mind and I would like to change my name. What do I do now?

If you did not request a name change at the time of the divorce proceedings, whether because you forgot to do so or because you have since changed your mind, you can still request that the family court grant your name change. This is usually true regardless of how long ago your divorce proceedings were.

Katherine O'Brien

New Jersey expungement lawyer Katherine North O’Brien has been practicing expungement law for her entire career and has handled hundreds of complex criminal record expungements. She has also assisted in the drafting of briefs on expungement issues before the New Jersey Supreme Court.

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Step 1 – Verified Complaint

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Download and complete the first form of the New Jersey name change packet, the Verified Complaint. This form should contain all your personal information and includes a certification at the bottom of the second (2nd) page of the form. This certification, when signed by you, states that all the information on the form is tru…
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Step 2 – Order For Hearing

  • The second form of the name change packet is the Order Fixing Date of Hearing Form. Download this form and complete the top section of the page. Leave the rest blank; the court will complete this after you file all the forms.
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Step 3 – Final Judgment

  • The Final Judgment Formis the document that, when signed by the judge, serves as legal proof of your name change. Only complete the top section of the form and any fields that do not have “leave blank for the court to complete” written below them.
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Step 4 – Civil Case Information Statement

  • Download the Civil Case Information Statementand fill out all the appropriate fields. This form functions as a summary of your case, helping it move through the court system with minimal delay.
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Step 5 – File Forms

  • Make copies of all completed forms before submitting them to the Superior Court in your county (a list of county courts can be found at the bottom of this webpage). You have the choice between hand-delivering these forms, or mailing them to the court clerk. In either case, you must pay a $250name change filing fee (payable to Treasure of the State of New Jersey if you are mailing a …
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Step 6 – Returned Copies

  • The court clerk will enter a docket number on each form that you submitted along with a hearing date and time. Copies of the Verified Complaint and Order Fixing Date of Hearing will be returned to you in the envelope you provided. Aside from the docket number and hearing date, the court will provide the name of a local newspaper in which you must publish the Order of Hearing.
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Step 7 – Notify The Prosecutor

  • This step applies only to those who have criminal charges pending against them. If you are in this situation, you must notify the prosecutor of the county where the charges have been filed. Send copies of the Complaint and Order of Hearing forms by regular mail AND certified mail. The post office will send you a certified mail receipt once the package has been delivered. Download the …
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Step 8 – Publish Order

  • Contact the newspaper chosen by the court and have them publish the Order Fixing Date of Hearing and the Newspaper Notice. The Order must appear in the newspaper at least two (2) weeks prior to your hearing. After publication, the newspaper will send you an Affidavit of Publication. Make a copy for your records, and file the original with the court clerk.
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Step 9 – Attend Hearing

  • On the day of your hearing, you are required to appear before a judge and answer any questions they might have concerning your name change complaint. As long as you have properly completed all the forms and have not falsified any information, the judge should be inclined to approve your proposed name change. The judge will sign the Final Judgment Form making your …
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Step 10 – Publish Final Judgment

  • Once you’ve received a certified copy of your Final Judgment, you are required to publish it in a local newspaper; the court will select a newspaper for you. The Judgment must be published no more than (20) days after the judge signed the form. Once it has been published, the newspaper will provide you with an Affidavit of Publication. Make a copy and file the original with the court.
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