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 his/her name. We recommend that you consult with an attorney before attempting to change one’s name in New Jersey.

Name Change Process for Adults in New Jersey

There are many reasons someone may want to change their name. Sometimes it’s as simple as them becoming better known as a name not on their birth certificate or because they no longer prefer the name on their legal documentation. Whatever the reason is for a person wanting to change their name, an application must be filed in the state where the person requesting the name change currently resides. 

In New Jersey, the process for changing a name will depend on the reason for the name change. In instances of marriage, the legal document given when a marriage license is applied for is used as legal proof of the name change and can be supplied for changing a name on documentation. If the reasoning is because of divorce, the person can change their name within the documents used to file for the divorce. The name change must go through the court process for all other reasons. 

Here are the steps involved when filing for a name change in New Jersey for reasons other than marriage or divorce:

Contact an Attorney. The process for a name change in New Jersey can prove to be a tedious one, and if part of the application filed isn’t compliant, the court can deny the application. Hiring an attorney experienced in name changes in New Jersey can make a stressful situation one of ease.

If you contact Rosenblum Law, you’ll be connected with a trained specialist who will guide you through the name change process and explain exactly what is required.

Prepare the Petition. In New Jersey, the person seeking the name change will be required to petition for one in their local Superior Court. An affidavit will be required to include information such as their Social Security number, date of birth, and other pertinent information. In addition, the applicant will have to notify interested parties, if any, of the name change (for example, parents need to be notified and consent to a minor’s petition for a name change). The filing fee for a name change is $250. Our law office assists clients throughout this step by sending a questionnaire to each client, drafting the petition, and providing the client with a copy for review before filing.

Judicial Review. Once the applicant files for a name change, the case will be assigned a docket number, and the judicial staff will review the application to ensure it has been filed correctly. This will take up to a week. A background check will also be carried out to see if the person has any open liens, court cases, etc. to ensure that the applicant is not attempting to change their name to avoid debts, child support obligations, or criminal prosecution. If something is found, the review will likely take longer. 

After a successful review, the judge will decide to issue a hearing date, usually set for two months out. A copy of the hearing notice must be served to the Director, Division of Criminal Justice, at least 20 days before the hearing date via certified mail. If this is not done, the court will likely dismiss the case. 

Court Appearance. Once the judge grants a hearing, the name change applicant will have to appear in court to answer a few questions in front of the judge. Some of the standard questions include:

• What is the reason you are asking the court to change your name?
• Are you filing this petition of your own free will?
• Are you filing this petition for any fraudulent purpose?
• Do you swear that all the information contained in your application is true to the best of your knowledge?

Our legal team will prepare our clients for court and attend court with them as an advocate. 

The New Name Is Official. The judge will enter a “final judgment.” After that, we are required to serve one certified judgment to the New Jersey Treasury so the person’s taxes all remain in order when they are filed again. After this final step, the person is in the clear, and the name change is official! We also provide our clients with instructions as to how to update other official documents like their driver’s license.

How to Change Your Name in NJ

1. Fill out the forms

   There are two important sets of documents that a person must complete to change their names in NJ. The first is the New Jersey Name Change Packet, which includes forms to indicate what name one wishes to go by and to order a hearing before a judge. One must also fill out the Civil Case Information Statement. If one hires an attorney, he/she will complete these forms.

2. Make copies of forms before filing

   A person should keep one copy for his/her own records and include an additional copy along with the original documents which will be sent to the court.

3. File the forms

   The forms should be sent to the Superior Court of the county in which the person lives. This can be done by mail or in person. Be sure to include a check or money order for $250 made out to “Treasurer, State of New Jersey,” as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope for the court to return the forms to you.

4. Publish a notice in the newspaper

   The Order Fixing Date of Hearing must be published in the newspaper no less than two weeks before the hearing. The returned documents will indicate which newspaper the notice must be published in. Once the notice is published, the newspaper will send an affidavit of publication. A copy should be made for record keeping and the original sent to the court.

5. Notify required persons

   Those with pending criminal charges in New Jersey must notify the law enforcement agency that is prosecuting the case of one’s intent to change one’s name. This must be done at least 20 days before the hearing.

6. Attend the court hearing

   When attending court, be sure to dress appropriately and be polite and respectful to everyone in the courthouse. In addition, bring copies of all documents in order to accurately answer questions the judge may have. Here is where having an attorney can be the most helpful. An attorney can handle some of the questions the judge may ask and issue responses that are likely to persuade the judge to make a favorable ruling.

7. Publish the final judgment

   The judge will rule whether or not the name change will be allowed, and a final judgement will be sent in the mail. This will also need to be published in the newspaper within 20 days. Once again, the newspaper will send an affidavit of publication, which must be sent to the court.

8. Notify other government agencies

   There are four agencies one must notify once a name change has been granted in NJ: The Social Security Administration (SSA), the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), the NJ Treasury Department, and the Registrar of Vital Statistics or Department of Health in the capital of the state in which one was born. To do this, a person must order two certified copies of the final judgment (with raised seals) from the court. The SSA and MVC must be notified in person. For SSA, the final judgment and current social security card must be brought. Drivers must notify the MVC of a name change within two weeks by bringing a certified copy of the final judgment and one’s current driver’s license (with the old name) to the MVC. The Treasury Department can be notified by mail. One must send a copy of the certified final judgement and a check for $50 within 45 days of the ruling. The other copy of the certified final judgement should be mailed to the Registrar of Vital Statistics or Department of Health.

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. After a divorce, a request for a name change can be made verbally to the judge upon final judgement of the divorce.

How can Rosenblum Law help?

When working with the team at Rosenblum Law, you can rest assured that you have the best support and guidance when going through the name change process in New Jersey. If you or a loved one are looking to start the process, contact us today at 888-815-3649.