Legal Name Change in Massachusetts: Court-Ordered Process
Petition the Probate and Family Court for a name change. We’ll fill out CJP-15 + every follow-up form for free.
A court-ordered name change in Massachusetts uses Form CJP-15 (Petition to Change Name), filed at your county Probate and Family Court. Filing fees run $180-$220; newspaper publication runs $50-$100 (citation by publication 14 days before hearing); certified copies $20-$30. Total typical: $300-$450, $0-$50 with an Affidavit of Indigency. The process takes 8-12 weeks from filing to your signed decree, including time for the probation department report. We fill out all the forms — petition, citation, decree, affidavit of indigency — and walk you through Social Security, passport, DMV updates after the hearing.
Massachusetts Name Change Forms
Standardized statewide forms used in every county Probate and Family Court.
The main petition. Current name, requested name, reason for change, residency declaration. Used for adults statewide.
Court-issued notice published in a local newspaper 14 days before your hearing, unless waived for cause.
Final court order signed by the judge after your hearing. Your legal proof of name change.
If you can’t afford the $180-$220 filing fee. Approved based on financial hardship.
Step-by-Step Massachusetts Name Change Process
Same 4-step path in every county, with local variation in fees and scheduling.
Step 1: File Your Petition with the Probate and Family Court
File at the Probate and Family Court of the county where you live. Bring your completed CJP-15 petition, a certified copy of your birth certificate, the filing fee or Affidavit of Indigency, and any prior name change documents.
Massachusetts law specifically requires birth records to be filed with the court before a name change decree can be entered. If your name has been changed before (by previous court order or marriage), include those documents too.
The clerk reviews your paperwork, collects the fee, and assigns a docket number. The court will also request a report from the commissioner of probation as part of the process — this is a standard background check required by Massachusetts law.
Step 2: Publish Citation (14 Days Before Hearing)
Massachusetts requires citation by publication in a local newspaper at least 14 days before your hearing, unless the court waives it for good cause. Cost: $50-$100 depending on the newspaper.
The court issues a citation that you take to a qualifying newspaper in your county for publication. Compare prices among approved papers — they vary.
Publication exemptions are available for good cause shown — typically domestic violence safety concerns, gender identity privacy, or other compelling personal safety reasons. Request the waiver when you file the petition.
Step 3: Attend Your Court Hearing
Hearing scheduled after the probation report and publication period. Brief proceeding, typically under 15 minutes. The judge verifies your identity, residency, and reasons.
Bring: photo ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of publication (affidavit from the newspaper), your certified birth certificate, and copies of your filed petition.
Common questions the judge will ask:
- What is your current legal name and where do you live?
- Why do you want to change your name?
- Are you trying to evade debts or legal obligations?
- Do you understand this name change is permanent unless you petition again?
The judge applies the “consistent with public interests” standard required by Massachusetts law. They’ll typically approve requests unless there’s evidence of fraud, intent to evade debts, or other public policy concerns.
If anyone objects (rare), they appear at the hearing to state concerns. The judge hears both sides and decides.
Step 4: Get Your Certified Decree
Once the judge approves, the court enters a decree officially changing your name. Request 3-4 certified copies from the register of probate immediately — $20-$30 each.
After Your Court Order: Updating Your Documents
Federal first. Social Security, then everything else cascades.
Show 6-step update checklist
Form SS-5 with certified decree. Free, 2-4 weeks. Required first.
DS-82 ($130, decree <1 year old) or DS-11 ($165). 6-8 weeks.
$25 fee. Bring decree + new SS card. New MA license usually issued same-day at a Service Center.
RegisterToVoteMA.com. Free. Update at the same time as your RMV visit if you prefer.
Form 8822 by mail. Free. Important before tax season.
Decree + new license at branch. Same day.
Special Situations in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has specific protections for minors, gender identity, and domestic violence survivors.
Show special situations (minors / gender / DV)
Minor Children Name Changes
Both parents (or the surviving parent) must typically consent unless one parent’s rights have been terminated or they cannot be located. The court considers the child’s best interest and preference for older children.
- Both parents must consent — or the petitioning parent must prove diligent effort to locate and notify the other parent
- Older children’s preference — the court may consider what the child wants if they’re old enough to express it
- Parent or guardian files — on behalf of the minor; the child appears at the hearing with them
- Best-interest standard applies — the judge evaluates whether the change serves the child’s interests
See our minor name change guide for the full process.
Gender Identity Name Changes
Massachusetts courts recognize name changes related to gender identity. No medical documentation required — simply stating the change is for gender identity is typically sufficient. Many courts waive publication.
- Publication waivers — request to skip newspaper citation for safety and privacy
- Sealed records — court can seal your case file in some circumstances
- No medical documentation required — Massachusetts doesn’t require proof of medical treatment or transition
- Affirming standard — courts routinely grant gender identity name changes
See our gender identity name change guide.
Domestic Violence Exemptions
Survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault qualify for additional protections.
- Publication waiver — skip newspaper citation entirely for “good cause shown”
- Address confidentiality — your address kept confidential in court records
- Expedited processing — faster court scheduling available
- Fee waivers — Affidavit of Indigency requirements relaxed
Massachusetts Name Change Cost Breakdown
Total: $300-$450 typical. $0-$50 with an Affidavit of Indigency.
Show full cost table
| Expense | Massachusetts Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $180-$220 | Varies by county; Affidavit of Indigency available |
| Newspaper Publication | $50-$100 | Citation by publication, 14 days before hearing |
| Certified Copies (3-4) | $60-$120 | $20-$30 per copy from register of probate |
| RMV License Update | $25 | After receiving certified decree |
| Passport Renewal | $130-$165 | DS-82 or DS-11 |
| Total | $300-$450 | Before fee waivers |
Other state guides
See all 50 state legal-name-change guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a legal name change take in Massachusetts?
A Massachusetts CJP-15 petition typically takes 8-12 weeks from filing to signed decree. That includes time for the Probate and Family Court to receive the probation department report, the 14-day citation by publication period before your hearing, and scheduling at your county court. The hearing itself usually runs under 15 minutes.
What does a Massachusetts name change actually cost?
Filing CJP-15 at the Probate and Family Court runs $180-$220. Citation by publication in a local newspaper runs $50-$100. Certified copies of the decree are $20-$30 each from the register of probate (plan on 3-4). Updating your Massachusetts RMV license is $25. Total typical: $300-$450, or $0-$50 if the court approves an Affidavit of Indigency.
Do I need a lawyer to file CJP-15 in Massachusetts?
No. Most adults file CJP-15 pro se at their county Probate and Family Court. The form is straightforward and the hearing is brief. Consider an attorney only for complex situations — contested petitions, custody disputes over a minor's name, or domestic-violence cases where you need help requesting publication waivers and sealed records.
Can the Probate and Family Court deny my CJP-15 petition?
Yes. Massachusetts judges apply a "consistent with public interests" standard. Petitions can be denied for evidence of fraud, intent to evade debts or creditors, attempts to escape a criminal record, or names the court considers offensive. Most legitimate adult petitions — including marriage, divorce, and gender identity changes — are routinely granted.
Can I waive the citation by publication requirement?
Yes, on a showing of good cause. Massachusetts Probate and Family Court judges routinely grant publication waivers for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, and for many gender identity name changes where publication would create a safety or privacy risk. Request the waiver when you file CJP-15 and include a brief affidavit explaining the cause.
Will my Massachusetts name change appear in public records?
Yes by default. Probate and Family Court records are public in Massachusetts, and registers of probate send an annual report of name changes to state agencies. If the court grants a publication waiver and seals the file for safety reasons, the record becomes substantially less accessible. Ask about sealing when you file if privacy is a concern.
Ready to File Your Massachusetts Petition?
We’ll generate CJP-15, your citation, the proposed decree, and the Affidavit of Indigency — filled out and ready to sign. Plus every Social Security, passport, and RMV form for after your hearing.
Start Your Free Massachusetts Court PetitionLast verified 2026-04-26 · Not legal advice · Terms · Privacy