Massachusetts Name Change - Massachusetts Legal Name Change

Want to Legally Change Your Name? How To Change Your Name In Massachusetts

Legal name change MA forms are available for adults, minors and families. Download the name change Massachusetts form you need or order our completion services. If you order completion services, the forms will be completed for you based on the information you provide and reviewed by a professional. Free form descriptions, previews and law summaries are provided.


Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Minor 
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Adult
Name Change Instructions and Forms Package - Family
Name Change Notification Package - Brides, Divorce, Marriage

View all Massachusetts Name Change Forms

Completion services are provided for all legal name change MA packages. To order completion services, look for the Submit button in the search results.

Regardless of why you change your name, you will need to notify the appropriate agencies and take other steps to make the name change legal. This also applies to individuals who change their name as the result of marriage.

Learn more by using our Name Change Questionnaire

Massachusetts Name Change FAQ

Tips for Preparing Massachusetts Name Change

  1. Think about all the advantages and disadvantages of changing your name. Before starting the process of a surname transition and completing Massachusetts Name Change, you need to bear in mind that it's important to preserve name uniformity in all your important paperwork, such as your passport or social security card. Usually, it's an incredibly time- and resource-consuming process. In certain circumstances, it's preferable to preserve your old name if you want to share the same surname with your kids after separation or divorce or for the sake of your career.
  2. Make sure to put together the right set of files. Depending on your scenario - be it marriage and separation, or any other personal circumstances, you need to get all the needed paperwork ready. For example, in order to change your name after getting married, you need a few copies of the licensed marriage certificate and submission-ready forms. You will find Massachusetts Name Change at US Legal Forms, the most extensive virtual collection of legal paperwork.
  3. Check the restrictions related to changing names where you reside. The guidelines for name transition differ from one state to another. For example, in some states, a name change after divorce requires you to endure the troubles of filling out a great deal of paperwork and other actions, whereas these actions are considered needless in other states. All you need to do is update the information in a variety of documents. If you need to fill out the Massachusetts Name Change, try US Legal Forms. It contains more than 85,000 forms drafted by legal professionals and provides various educational materials to help you locate and fill out the papers correctly.
  4. Never use a change of name form to dodge troubles with the legal authorities. You have the right to get or not to get your birth name back for whatever reasons. Nevertheless, if think about filling out and filing Massachusetts Name Change in an effort to avoid lenders or paying for your child's support, it may lead to huge fees and penalties or other implications.

What is a Name Change Form?

A name change form is a simple document that you can fill out if you want to change your name legally. In Massachusetts, the name change form is used to request a legal change of your name. You can fill out this form if you are an adult and want to change your own name, or if you are a parent and want to change your child's name. The form asks for basic information like your current name, the name you want to change it to, and the reasons for the change. Once you fill out the form, you will need to submit it to the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court along with a filing fee. The court will review your request and, if approved, issue a court order officially changing your name.


When a Name Change is Needed

Sometimes, circumstances arise that may necessitate a change in a person's name. In Massachusetts, there are certain situations where a name change may be required. For instance, if someone gets married or divorced, they may want to change their last name to reflect their new marital status. Additionally, individuals who want to legally change their name for personal or professional reasons may also go through the name change process. It is important to follow the specific steps outlined by the state to ensure a successful name change, which typically involve filing a petition with the court, paying a fee, and attending a hearing.


Why do I need a Name Change?

There are a few reasons why someone in Massachusetts might need a name change. One common reason is getting married or divorced. When you get married, you might want to take your partner's last name and change your own name. On the other hand, if you get divorced, you might want to go back to your maiden name or choose a completely new name altogether. Another reason for a name change is if you don't feel comfortable or happy with your current name and want to choose a name that better reflects your identity. In Massachusetts, the process of changing your name involves filling out some paperwork, providing necessary documents, and paying a fee. It can be a straightforward process, but it's important to do everything correctly to avoid any complications.


The Consequences of Not Getting a Name Change

Not getting a name change in Massachusetts can have various consequences. Firstly, if you have legally changed your name and not updated your identification documents such as driver's license or passport, you may face difficulties in proving your identity. This could lead to problems when dealing with government agencies, banks, or traveling. Additionally, if you have changed your name due to marriage or divorce, not updating it legally could result in confusion and complications in official records. Furthermore, failure to get a name change could affect your personal and professional reputation, as people may have difficulty locating or recognizing you under your new name. It is essential to understand and address these consequences to avoid unnecessary complications in your daily life.


What happens if I do not get a Name Change?

If you do not get a name change in Massachusetts, it means that your legal name will remain the same. Your official documents like ID cards, driver's license, and passport will still have your old name. It might cause confusion or difficulties when you need to prove your identity or for official purposes. People might continue to address you by your old name, which can be frustrating if you prefer to be called by a different name. It's important to consider the potential impact and benefits of a name change before making a decision.