How to Legally Change Your Middle Name in New Jersey
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the United States with 1,196 residents per square mile. With almost nine million total residents, nicknames and monikers help keep identities straight when names overlap. Although you can go by a new name at any time, you must file with the New Jersey courts to change your legal name. New Jersey prepares help kits for individuals wishing to file common requests, such as a name change, without an attorney's assistance.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Download the self-help kit from the New Jersey courts. The kit includes all the forms that you need to complete and submit. The file is in portable document format and requires Adobe Acrobat to open.
-
2
Fill out Forms A, B and C as far as the forms instruct you. The forms indicate where to put your current name and where to put your desired name. Leave the spaces labeled "to be filled in by the court" or "the court will complete" blank for the clerk or judge to fill out.
-
-
3
Download the Civil Case Information Statement (CIS) from New Jersey's self-help resource center. Follow the directions on the form to complete it. The case number for a name change is 151.
-
4
Make copies of all completed documents. Retain one copy for your records. Mail an original and duplicate copy of Forms A, B, C and the CIS along with the filing fee of $200 payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the court. Deliver the package to the court if you prefer.
-
5
Record the docket number from the forms that the court returned to you. Publish the Order Fixing Date (Form B) in the newspaper indicated by the judge on your case at least two weeks prior to your hearing date.
-
6
Make a copy of the affidavit of publication from the newspaper. Send the original to the court immediately after you receive it.
-
7
Appear in court on the day of the your hearing. After the hearing, the court will provide a copy of the Final Judgment regarding your name change. Make copies of the Final Judgment papers and send one for publication in the newspaper ordered by the judge and one to the Registrar of Vital Statistics for the state in which you were born. Update your driver's license through the Motor Vehicles Commission.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Individuals with pending criminal charges or convictions must send notice to the prosecutor of the county in which the criminal charges were filed. Send a copy of the Verified Complaint (Form A) and the Order Fixing Date (Form B) for the prosecutor's reference.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
