New Jersey How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name — Adult is a set of instructions outlining the steps that an adult must take to legally change their name in the state of New Jersey. This process includes filing a petition with the court in the county of residence, obtaining a criminal background check, advertising the name change in the newspaper, and appearing at a court hearing. The types of name change available include a change of first, middle, or last name, a combination of names, or a name change for marriage, adoption, or any other purpose.